Call for Proposals

CSDC’s annual conference offers an in-depth, timely program that provides the critical content, resources and technical assistance that charter leaders are seeking.
In 2023, the CSDC Conference is accepting proposals for the following conference programming formats:
- Breakout Sessions: 75-minute presentations organized into strands that make up the bulk of the offered content and scheduled throughout the event
- Learning Labs: 45-minute sessions hosted in our exhibit hall full of energy, hands-on engagement and opportunities for attendees to interact with their colleagues
Review the complete conference schedule.
Presenters
CSDC seeks strong, experienced leaders within the charter sector who have insightful, timely, and critical content to share. The most valuable proposals will:
- Address content or topics listed in the CFP
- Be presented by charter sector leaders
- Review specific, proven best practices
- Provide descriptions of specific challenges and how the school/charter organization/leader overcame them
- Offer real-world applications to operationalize valuable content
- Engage attendees with interactive components, helpful visuals, multiple presenters, and/or Q&A
Proposal Criteria, Review Process, and Resources
CSDC will only accept completed proposals submitted via the online portal. Proposals submitted any other way will not be accepted.
- Proposals must be received by June 30.
- Limit of three (3) proposal submissions per individual or five (5) per organization
- According to CSDC policy, each accepted presenter will receive one (1) discounted conference registration—annual discounted rates may vary
- Presenters confirm they have reviewed and agree to CSDC’s Diversity Guidelines
- Note: If submitting a proposal from a vendor or other support organization that works with charter schools, CSDC strongly encourages you to present with a charter school client representative. Charter leaders want to hear from and learn from other charter leaders and CSDC prioritizes these types of proposals.
Proposals Will Be Reviewed by CSDC's Programming Selection Committee Using the Following Criteria:
- Unique content that is aligned with current events and trending issues for the charter sector
- Responsiveness to the suggested topics in the CFP
- Practical application
- Data on proven outcomes
- Specificity and quality of content
- A creative, catchy, and precise session title
- A clear objective—what will attendees learn as a result of your presentation
- Presenter(s) experience and expertise
- Interaction and opportunities for audience participation
- Quality handouts/tools for attendees to takeaway
- Level of commercial bias (if any)
Critical Presenter Deadlines*
- June 30: Completed proposals must be submitted through the CFP
- July 21: CSDC will confirm speakers by email. CSDC will also notify those who were not selected to be included in the 2023 conference program
- August 4: Presenters must confirm intention to present, presenter titles, bios, and headshots and submit any edits to titles or descriptions
- August 11: All 2023 CSDC Conference content live on conference website
- Attend one presenter, one-hour training session at 1:00PM on October 25 or 10:00AM on October 27
- November 1: Presentation files and resources uploaded to presenter portal
- November 8-10: CSDC Conference in Anaheim, CA
*Presenters are eligible to register at the special, discounted full registration rate of $489. If you are not planning to attend the entire conference, and only your session, you must still register as a presenter (at no charge). Review the complete presenter FAQ for additional details. Additionally, all participants agree to abide by the CSDC Code of Conduct and speakers agree to the Diverse Speaker Guidelines.
Strands and Suggested Topics
-
Strand 1: Accountability and Renewal
- Demonstrating Growth With Verified Data Assessments: Grappling With Pandemic Data and Other Tricky Issues
- Demonstrating Strong Post Secondary Outcomes
- Renewal and Accountability
- Understanding Shifting LCAP Requirements / Tricky LCAP Issues: LCAP Excerpts and Case Studies
- Renewal Case Studies: How We Rallied Our Data to Make a Compelling Case
- Measuring Student Success
- Other
-
Strand 2: Educational Approaches: Teaching and Learning
- Successful CTEIG Programs
- Developing and Launching Successful Community Schools
- Leveraging Technology
- STEM Programs
- Developing Instructional Leadership
- Project Based Learning
- Effective Instructional Practices for Non-classroom Based Schools
- Build a Thriving TK program
- Addressing Learning Lag
- Open Call: Share Your Instructional Super Power!
- Other
-
Strand 3: Facilities
- Effectively Navigating Prop 39
- Bond Financing for Charter School Facilities
- SB 740 Facilities Strategies
- Facilities Fundamentals
- Other
-
Strand 4: Governance
- Essential Charter School Policies
- Effective Board Management Practices
- Strategic Planning for Charter Schools
- Forming a PAC
- Successfully Recruiting Charter School Board Members--Who to Look For and Where to Find Them
- Positive Parent Communication
- Managing/Recruiting Volunteers
- Building Successful Relationship With Your Authorizer
- Creating Local Networking Opportunities With Other Charter Schools
- Other
-
Strand 5: Human Resources
- Effectively Recruiting and Retaining High Quality Staff
- Navigating Employee Leaves
- Developing Competitive Salary and Benefits Packages
- Talent Acquisition Strategy--How Do You Run an Effective Leadership Search?
- Navigating Teacher Credentialing
- At the Table: The Nitty Gritty of Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Collective Bargaining 101
- Labor Relations Fundamentals
- HR Claim Trends in Charter Schools
- Effective Performance Management
- Risk Management: Proactive HR
- Employee classifications and contracts
- Other
-
Strand 6: Leadership and Equity
- Redefining a Culture of Wellness in Our School Staff
- Building Effective Charter Leaders and Leadership Teams: Recruitment, Development and Retention Strategies
- Leading Through Change Effectively
- Developing Leadership Succession Plans
- The Critical Work of Creating and Leading Diverse, Inclusive, Equitable, and Anti-Racist Organizations
- Restorative Practices and Positive School Climate
- Addressing Teacher and Administrator Burnout
- Translating Mission, Vision and Values Into Practice
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Developing and Maintaining Strategic Partnerships
- Strategic Planning for Charter Schools
- Increasing Racial Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Cultural Competence Among Charter School and District Administrators
- Other
-
Strand 7: Legal
- Independent Study Compliance
- Wage and Hour Compliance: Employee Classifications and Non-exempt Requirements
- Special Education Compliance
- Legal and Policy Update
- Cyber Security--More Critical Than Ever
- Material Revisions, MOUs and Authorizer Policies: Challenges for Growth
- Unions and Charter Schools
- Other
-
Strand 8: Policy and Advocacy
- Preparing for Renewal
- Advocacy - Student Ambassadors
- Parent Power
- Running for Local School Board
- Building Authorizer Support: Successful Outreach and School Visits
- State Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Other
-
Strand 9: School Operations
- Universal Pre-K Fundamentals
- Building and Managing a Sustainable Food Program
- Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Implementation
- Universal Meal Program: Best Practices
- Creative, Impactful Marketing Strategies to Ensure Enrollment
- Liability Trends and How to Avoid Them
- School Safety
- Preventing Student Sexual Assault
- An Ounce of Prevention: Risk Management
- Other
-
Strand 10: Strategic Fiscal Management
- Universal TK Implementation
- Building a Sustainable Universal Meal Program (UMP)
- Categorical Funding--Making It Work for Your School
- Strategies to Streamline Operations and Endure Fiscal Uncertainty
- Innovative Charter School Financing and Funding Alternatives to Expand Revenue Sources
- Federal Funding Management
- Special Ed With Out Breaking the Bank
- Audit Update
- Other
-
Strand 11: Student Success
- Meet the Rise in Student Mental Health Needs
- Promoting Growth in Literacy
- Promoting Growth in Mathematics
- Supporting the Success of English Learners
- Supporting the Success of Students With Disabilities
- Supporting Students Through Crisis
- Social Emotional Learning--Student Wellness
- Social Justice and Anti-racism Curriculum
- Supporting the Success of Students With Disabilities
- Promoting Strong Post Secondary Outcomes
- Supporting ELL Students
- Supporting Students with Special Needs
- Other