Charter School Administration
This course is designed to give students an understanding of charter schools within the framework of public education. Students will develop, design, and discern the value of charter schools within their community. This course will teach the critical components of developing a charter, understanding the governance of charter schools and applying those rules and laws within their charter development, and comparing the value of charter schools within their community.
Topics and Objectives
Educational Philosophy
- Examine the historical context of charter schools in the United States.
- Describe charter school law by state.
- Assess the students' community and decide on the appropriate educational philosophy.
- Prioritize the needs of the community based on diversity, socioeconomic status, educational practices, and parental need.
- Evaluate personal vision and philosophy.
Student Outcomes in Charter School Education
- Compare and contrast a variety of curriculums.
- Critique the various forms of assessment including local, state, and federal guidelines and preferences.
- Evaluate student expectations.
Governance and Human Resources
- Analyze state and federal laws regarding governance of charter schools.
- Compare and contrast nonprofit, for-profit, and schools attached to the school districts.
- Differentiate a founding group of a charter school and a governance board.
Financial Planning
- Assess the funding model for charter schools within the state.
- Develop a working budget for the proposed charter school.
- Analyze alternative funding sources including grants, donations, etc.
- Differentiate regular education funding and charter school funding.
Impact on Public Education
- Examine the effect of charter schools on local school districts.
- Evaluate political implications of charter schools on organizations and legislative agendas.
- Evaluate positive and negative consequences of charter schools on the community.
- Critique the expansion of charter schools locally and nationally.