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Senator Dan Patrick lays out the details of Senate Bill 2 for the Senate Education Committee on Thursday morning. Senate Bill 2 strengthens the quality of charter schools, allows for the replication/renewal of effective charters.and creates a clear process for closing those that are chronically poor performing. Watch the hearing. |
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  TCSA supports legislation filed to strengthen and grow quality charter schools "Texas public charter schools are proud to work with Sen. Dan Patrick on legislation that will strengthen the quality of charters, streamline the process to encourage more innovation and make necessary changes so that students are well-served in the school of their choice," said David Dunn, executive director of Texas Charter Schools Association. "We are especially pleased to see TCSA member legislative priorities addressed including a lifting of the arbitrary cap, enhancing the renewal and replication for quality charters, and a clear process for TEA to close poor-performing charters."
Read the Press Release. Thank you, charter supporters, for testifying on SB2 at the Senate Education Committee hearing!
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Left to right: Patricia Heinz, Charter Parent (Uplift Education),
David Ray, Superintendent (St. Anthony School), and Martha Fernandez, Community Advocacy Coordinator (Uplift Education)
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Watch the hearing - Feb. 21 Senate Committee on Education (Parts I and II)
Testimony:
David Dunn ( TCSA), Greg Richmond ( NACSA), Deb McGriff ( NAPCS) Charter School Leaders:Tom Torkelson (IDEA Public Schools), David Ray (St. Anthony School), Jennifer Goodman (Odyssey Academy), Martha Fernandez (Uplift Education), Charles Pulliam (Life Schools), Joseph Riggs and Premier at Lanier student (Responsive Education Solutions), Mark Larson (KIPP San Antonio), Mark DiBella (YES Prep), Ron Ledbetter (TLC Academy), Gina Gregory (Harmony), Parc Smith (American Youthworks), Bill Martin (IDEA), Leroy McClure (FOCUS Academies), and two parents with students on charter school waitlists
Public Testimony - Charter School Parents:
Adriana Fernandez (KIPP Houston), Patricia Heinz (Uplift Education), Debby McClure (Harmony), Alyson Spier (Wayside Schools)
Texas Lawmakers Mixed On Charter School Proposal
by Maurice Chammah; February 21, 2013 Patrick's Senate Bill 2 would overhaul the state's charter school system by creating a new state board to authorize new charter schools and lift the cap on the number of these schools that can exist in the state ... It would also allow an alottment for state facilities funding for charters, which along with the state cap on charter school contracts, is a primary focus of a lawsuit pending against the state. Read the article.  Editorial: Patrick's bill could improve charter schools February 21, 2013
 SAVE THE DATE: May 8, 2013
Rally for Public Charter Schools Texas State Capitol, Austin
The policies that impact charter schools will be deliberated on during this legislative session. Hearing directly from charter school leaders, parents and teachers is one of the best ways for state legislators to understand how vital charter schools are to providing a great public education for Texas students. Join us as we stand together in support of Texas public charter schools! To confirm your participation, contact Jennifer Limas-Mota, TCSA Director of Grassroots Advocacy. |
the Network Webinar:
Preparing Your Charter Renewal (FREE)
Is your charter contract expiration date approaching?
February 27, 2013; 11am - 12:15pm
REGISTER
Join us in this webinar to receive reliable insights to developing and submitting your renewal application to TEA.Sample Agenda: Understanding the Requirements of a Charter Renewal Areas to Consider in Preparing for a Renewal Lessons Learned
TCSA Facilities Training ($250 TCSA Member, $350 Non-Member) Does your charter school have an adequate facility to meet your vision?
February 28 - March 1, 2013; San Antonio
REGISTER
Join us in San Antonio for two days of game changing insights to move your facility development and maintenance plans into the 21st century.
Topics Include:
Overview of Financing Options Maintenance Plans for Safety & Security Best Practices for Negotiating Leases Preparing for the Bond Market Facilities Funding in Texas
Hotel Information
Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Airport Hotel
Special rate of $99/night expires TODAY, February 22, 2013.
TCSA HR Training ($175 TCSA Member, $225 Non-Member)
Wait - Is Your HR Strategy Ready for 2013?
February 28, 2013; Dallas
Join us in Dallas for a dynamic training day that will get you ready to approach your school's HR matters in a fresh way.Topics Include:
The priority matters to cover at new employee orientation
Essential items to cover at employee orientation for returning employees
The critical steps to successfully adding a new employee to your school
Understanding the 501 (c) 3 requirements for your charter school around HR
Highlighting the top tax issues to consider for 2013
And More!
TCSA Finance Training ($175 TCSA Member, $225 Non-Member)
Establishing Effective Accounting Controls and Reporting Mechanisms to Ensure Success
March 1, 2013; Dallas
REGISTER
Join us in Dallas for a stress reducing training day that will get you ready to approach your school's financial matters from your perspective and needs in mind.
Topics include:
Daily, weekly, & monthly accounting activities your school must have in place
Preparing and presenting budgets for stakeholders
Understanding the big picture of financial statements, including the balance sheet
And More!
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 FREE College and Career Fest
11th & 12th Grades
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
2pm - 8pm
Austin Convention Center With the help of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Austin Independent School District and other area school districts, the event will bring together and empower area students and their families with practical information regarding their options beyond high school. 
 Austin Creative Reuse is hosting a materials drive for Austin educators on Sunday, February 24, 2013, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. School teachers (public, private, and charter), after school teachers, day care providers, and more will be able to come and receive materials to use for projects in their classrooms and programs. Educators can come pick up items at 4416 Lareina Drive, Austin, TX 78745. Please note that this is a private residence.
Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program (Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE))
The purpose of the Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program is to provide opportunities beyond the regular school day for communities to establish or expand activities in community learning centers. Notice of Intent due on March 12, 2013.
Read more and apply.
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New Texas HS graduation standards face hurdles
by CHRIS TOMLINSON, Associated Press; February 17, 2013 Most Texans seem to agree that the new high school graduation standards need to change, but there is little agreement on how to do it.
Read the article.
 Don't Call Me Stupid! Underestimating Parental Choice the Center for Education Reform; February 19, 2013 Apparently, all of the poor parents I've met all these years are actually stupid. I didn't know this until I read yet another review of how people actually get into charter schools. Read the blog. In Other Charter News
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FREE TCSA Quality Framework Webinar:
Quality Framework Reports and Data Overview Watch this recorded webinar and learn where to find each type of report in the Quality Framework portal. See how easy it us to use the graphs, charts, and tables available now. Topics include: How to view system, element, and indicator-level reports for the Self-Assessment and Comparative Reports, and where to find and how to use multiple years of historical data in the TCSA Data Pack, including enrollment, demographics, and performance data for your charter and for each campus. Questions? Email the Quality Framework team .
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Trinity Basin Preparatory
Education Job Fair
Hiring for the 2013-2014 School Year
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Dallas, Texas Teachers, Instructional Aides, Bilingual School Nurse, Food Service, Substitutes, Technology Assistants |
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UPDATE: TEA Special Education Policy Deadline Extended The new deadline is March 15, 2013.For access to the special education model policies and instructions for adapting, adopting and uploading the policies, contact your local regional education service center.
For more information contact TCSA Director of Legal Policy Services, Lindsey Jones at ph. 512.584.8272.
2012-2013 Financial Solvency Survey
Now available.
The deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2013.
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The 2012 Student Assessment Data Validation Manual
Now available.
The 2012 Student Assessment Data Validation district reports are scheduled to be posted to the secure TEASE Accountability application on Friday, February 22, 2013.
Technical Assistance:
Performance-Based Monitoring (PBM) contacts are available at each education service center (ESC) to provide technical assistance to school districts. Latest updates to the ESC PBM contacts can be found here, using the Search RESCs function.
For questions about interventions, including ISAM inquiries, please contact: Program Monitoring and Interventions by calling 512.463.5226 or via email.
For questions about the manual or the indicators described in the manual, please contact: Performance-Based Monitoring by calling 512.936.6426 or via email.
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Change to Automobile Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Applicable to State and Federal Grants from the Texas Education Agency
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has changed the automobile mileage reimbursement rate. On January 1, 2013, the rate increased from 55.5 to 56.5 cents per mile. Travel and lodging reimbursement rates have not changed. The standard rates, effective until August 31, 2013, are up to $77 per night for lodging and up to $46 per day for meals, unless a higher rate for the travel destination is specified. Read more.
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