Latoya Holiday - our authorizer at UW

Post date: Nov 07, 2018 9:8:3 PM

Hi Sean,

Thanks for reaching out and please extend my gratitude to Malik for making and sending the video. So, to answer Malik’s questions—yes, there are some “must-do’s” for independent charter schools. Generally, the law grants charter schools exemption from all of the laws enumerated in Wisconsin Statutes chapters 115-121 (which are the chapters that cover public schools). However, there are some laws and regulations that charter schools must adhere to. Charter schools must:

• Adhere to all federal laws governing public education including those related to serving students with disabilities

• Administer the state assessments

• Adopt pupil academic standards in math, science, reading, writing, geography and history

• establish promotion criteria for promoting students from 4-5^th grade and from 8^th-9^th grade

• Establish a high school graduation policy

• Be included in the state’s accountability system

• Participate in the Educator Effectiveness System

• Assess students in grades 4K-2 for reading readiness

• Ensure all staff have valid licensure

Additionally, Wisconsin Statute 118.40 (charter schools law) outlines laws and requirements specific to charter schools in areas such as governance, non-discrimination, admissions, lottery, contracting, etc.

Further, the OEO Model Contract provides a good overview of things the OEO would require of any school it contracts with such as adherence to applicable state and federal laws, hours of instruction, etc.

Lastly, the OEO Phase II Application outlines the specific areas related to curriculum and instructional design we will be analyzing. Particularly, you will want to ensure that the proposal clearly explains the curriculum and instructional design of the school and the research base that supports its use and promise for the target population of students.

One thing to remember as you continue to work through the development process is charter schools—at their core—are inherently innovative and different. The premise behind the creation of charter schools is to grant these schools broad freedom from the rules, regulations and constraints of traditional public schools so that they might create and implement something innovative and achieve great results through innovation. Please keep in mind that this email and the things I note here are in no way intended to be an all-inclusive, full comprehensive picture of all of the things charter schools must do. My intent here is to only give you (and Malik) a broad, general idea of the educational program component requirements and things to think about as you move forward.

Unfortunately, I’m not available on Sunday to join the conversation. I’m happy to answer additional questions or set up another time for further conversation, if needed.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks,

Latoya

Latoya M. Holiday, Associate Director

Office of Educational Opportunity

University of Wisconsin System

1624 Van Hise Hall

1220 Linden Drive

Madison, WI 53706