Administrator's Guide to Leading a Colorado Charter School
The Administrator's Guide is a summary that provides practical help for charter school administrators. It alerts administrators on what they need to be aware of through the many responsibilities and operational challenges they face. Active links throughout the guide offer more detailed information and resources.
Administrator's Guide to Leading a Colorado Charter School [PDF]
(Note: This online e-guide has 121 pages. No hard copy document is
available.)
-
Overview
gives an introduction to the
Administrator's Guide, how it was first conceived and how administrators can best
use it. A quick glance at the Table of Contents will direct users to topics they need most.
- Colorado School Laws and Contracts explains the pertinent federal laws required for the operation of a charter school as well as enhancements and legislative changes to those laws. Obtaining legal counsel is discussed, in addition to the charter application, contract renewal, waivers and other legal agreements.
- The Governing Board assists those in organization and leadership roles on how to plan and develop a working charter board. Experienced current and former board members explain foundational topics such as leadership, structure, policy, procedure, and communication.
- Organizational Structure outlines the importance of selecting a staff from varied backgrounds, but with the same vision, mission, goals, and philosophy. Practical information and tools such as the organizational chart, engaging volunteers, and the structure of the charter school organization are discussed.
- Strategic Planning – based on the vision and mission of the charter school, the strategic plan is the tool the board uses to communicate and implement the school’s vision. Process, review, assignments, goals, and dates are discussed, and numerous links to various samples and resources are offered.
- Business and Finance discusses the financial stability and security of the school and how it depends on the board's knowledge and its skills in budgeting, accounting, fundraising, financial reporting, and implementing business plans.
- Human Resources – hiring protocols, job descriptions, employee contracts, volunteers, records, pay systems, and benefits—this chapter explains the human factor in the policies and practices that can help build the success of the school. Refers users to relevant Charter School Support Initiative (CSSI) standards, best practices and online resources.
- Legal Issues covers the process for filing complaints—both the informal and those that could lead to school board hearings. Gives an overview of the complaint policy as contained in the Parent/Student Handbook and the Employee Handbook, and directs users to well written policies on the CDE Web site.
- Academics explains how Academic Achievement is critical to measuring a school’s success, as well as the importance of protecting instructional times, working with parents to promote student achievement and implementing systems that enhance student achievement. Quality library and technology plans are discussed and users are directed to several Charter School Support Initiative (CSSI) standards.
- Student Assessments gives an overview of the Colorado Growth Model, explains the purpose of an assessment plan, the Colorado Basic Literacy Act (CBLA), and types of external and internal assessments. Provides further information through Best Practices and resource links.
- Data-Driven Decisions and Program Evaluation explains how to use data in the classroom, who is responsible for accountability and accreditation, designing a process for a needs assessment, and setting school goals that are unique to the charter.
- Professional Development – how to assess professional development needs, focus on specific instructional
skills, and the importance of continual mentoring, induction and peer coaching programs.
Includes Colorado’s Staff Development
Council’s characteristics of promising professional development programs.
- Administrator, Faculty and Board Evaluations covers evaluations for the chief administrator and the faculty, as well as self-assessment for the board's performance. Best Practices and resource links are provided.
- Special Populations and Student Support Services discusses Colorado law’s compliance with all federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability. Provides information on student populations with regard to Special Education, 504 plans, English Language Learners (ELL), and Gifted and Talented.
- Student Records and Performance (Data) Management – various performance management, student information and interim systems are discussed, as well as privacy concerns and what to consider when deciding on the best assessments to be used for a school. Refers users to relevant Charter School Support Initiative (CSSI) standards and other resources.
- Enrollment and General Operation – the general operation of the charter school from a basic enrollment application to a lottery, calendar events and activities, food and transportation, as well as emergency response, and health and safety practices.
- Relations and Communications – quality practices for managing the various relationships and communications an administrator must juggle, responding to the media, delivering negative as well as positive news, and using various communications tools and plans effectively.
- Facilities discusses types of maintenance options unique to an administrator’s facility, the legal counsel necessary for the facility’s operation and the steps that must be taken before a facility is occupied. Discusses risk management coverage and complying with certain community as well as federal regulations.
- Appendices A through F
provides links to electronic (online) guides and handbooks referenced
throughout the Administrator's Guide, useful charter school acronyms and decision matrices pages.