It’s Complicated: Start Making Sense with Charter Renewal Data
For both authorizers and charter schools, interpreting a school’s student achievement data for charter renewal is a critical but often daunting task. Aligning available data to the renewal provisions in Ed Code may not be apparent. First, the California School Dashboard is central in renewal but has key limitations, especially with respect to statutory renewal provisions . Reaching sound conclusions may involve supplemental analytics. Also, “verified data” showing “one year’s progress” and strong postsecondary outcomes has been key in providing a fuller picture, but that can also be complicated. Finally, although the State Board has clarified that California Growth Model data may be used in charter renewal, most of the state is unprepared to interpret the data with robust understanding
Given these limitations, practice in the field varies widely. In this workshop, we will discuss how CSDC makes sense of the renewal provisions. First, we will walk step-by-step through the provisions and review available data. Then we will consider (1) an approach to align evidence to the renewal standards (a possible starting point for charter schools) as well as a systematic flow chart that authorizers might use to review evidence. Authorizers and data service providers will share perspectives throughout.
Attendees may want to prepare in advance by (1) viewing webinars or sessions on California School Dashboard and charter renewal fundamentals and (2) gathering related data for a school--look out for an email with instructions. NOTE: CSDC members can access resources for the workshop on request without attending.
Presented by
Susanne Coie
Accountability and Development Specialist
Charter Schools Development Center
Susanne Coie is Accountability & Development Specialist at CSDC. Her current focus is sound school evaluation in charter renewal. Susanne provides trainings and resources to build understanding about school performance data. She advocates for improved policy and practice to improve school evaluation in California and to improve the data analytics available to the school community. Susanne facilitated CSDC’s Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) in partnership with the California Collaborative for Excellent Education (CCEE). Her expertise includes school accountability, educational program, budgets, and school administration. Susanne has worked in K-12 education for 30 years, starting as a teacher in a credit recovery program. Prior to CSDC, she was principal and co-founder of the Los Angeles Leadership Academy. She also served as a start-up charter school board member for nine years. She holds a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley, a teaching credential from CSU Los Angeles, and a BA from Pomona College.
