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General Information

  • What is a Charter School?

    A charter school is a type of public school. Charter schools provide education through a "charter," which is a type of contract granted by a chartering entity such as the commissioner of education, State Board of Education (SBOE), or the board of trustees of an independent school district. 

    Charter Home - Purpose and Definition

    In 1995, the Texas Education Code established a new type of public school, known as a charter school. Charter schools are subject to fewer state laws than other public schools with the idea of ensuring fiscal and academic accountability without undue regulation of instructional methods or pedagogical innovation. Like school districts, charter schools are monitored and accredited by the state. 

    According to the Texas Education Code, the purposes of charter schools are to:

    • improve student learning;
    • increase the choice of learning opportunities within the public school system;
    • create professional opportunities that will attract new teachers to the public school system;
    • establish a new form of accountability for public schools; and
    • encourage different and innovative learning methods. 

Announcements

  • Virtual Transition Learning Opportunities includes a list of several virtual transition sessions (recorded and live) for students, families, and educators. Registration is required to receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit at www.esc11.net.
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  • Department of Grant Compliance and Administration: 

    *Public Charter School Program Start-Up (Subchapter C) Grant Program*

    Request for Application (RFA) #701-20-122 is authorized by Public Law 107-110, Elementary and Secondary Education Act 1965 (ESEA), as amended by No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), Title V, Part B Subpart 1, and Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 12. The RFA is available on the TEA Grant Opportunities Page. 

    Eligibility: Search HERE for "Public Charter School Program Start-Up (Subchapter C)" and then look under the program guidelines link for specific eligibility requirements.

    Grant Period: July 1, 2020 - February 26, 2021

    Funding: A total of approximately $5,600,000 is available for this grant program, with anticipation of approximately 6-8 grants awarded (grants awards are up to $800,000).

    Description: The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance for the planning, program design, and initial implementation of charter schools and to expand the number of high-quality charter schools available to students. 

    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by the Texas Education Agency by 11:59 p.m. (Central Time), June 8, 2020, to be considered for funding.
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  • Congratulations to the new members of the ESC Region 11 Charter School Advisory Board!

    The following charter school leaders have been named to this newly created board:

    • Betsy Compton, Curriculum/Instruction Director at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
    • Sukai Durosimi, Superintendent at East Fort Worth Montessori School 
    • Jon McCrackan, Assistant Principal at High Point Academy
    • Mike Scott, Superintendent at Erath Excels Academy
    • Crisanta Searway, 6th Grade Teacher at Texas School of Arts
    • Ringnolda "Jofee" Tremain, Principal at Fort Worth Pafford Campus of Trinity Basin Preparatory 

    This board will collectively serve to represent our diverse charter school community and provide ESC Region 11 with valuable input on how to better support charter schools. Please reach out to these leaders to say congratulations and share any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions. Our first meeting was April 29th via Zoom. Click HERE to find the meeting notes. 

    The ESC Region 11 Charter School Advisory Board's next meeting will be June 10th!
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  • "Charter Schools Conference: The Power of Partnerships”  August 6, 2020!  **Now July 23, 2020, and Online**

    Change drives innovation and ESC Region 11 has created a virtual opportunity for charter schools. The "Charter Schools Conference: The Power of Partnerships”, originally scheduled for August 6, 2020, is now available as an all-new one-day virtual conference on Thursday, July 23, 2020!

     
    Register HERE to participate in breakout sessions and interactive Q&A opportunities covering emerging trends and best practices for charter schools. This conference aims to target all professional learners from the very novice and to the seasoned expert. ESC Region 11 coaches and charter educators will share how they are continuing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the needs of their students, staff, and communities. The complete agenda is coming soon!
     
    Interested in presenting? Have a best-practice to share? This conference aims to target all professional learners from the very novice and to the seasoned expert. We are seeking outstanding presentations offering successful key practices that prepare teachers and administrators for the new normal of school. Complete this Call to Present form if you are interested in presenting!
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  • Charter Schools - You have a voice at ESC Region 11!

    Help us shape your charter school needs by completing the survey below that will provide us with valuable input about your charter school needs!

    SURVEY
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  • Connect! Network! Learn! - Newsletter

    Get all your charter school information in the Smore link below! Find professional development opportunities, charter school meetings, guides to statutory trainings, and future plans for servicing charter schools - all provided by ESC Region 11 staff.

    Charter Newsletter LINK!
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  •  

    TEA Statewide Portfolio Meeting - June 12, 2020

    TEA Statewide Portfolio Meeting - May 12, 2020 

    TEA TETN Feb 2020

    Next Statewide Portfolio Meeting - TBD
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