- Instructional Services Division
- General Information

General Information
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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.
Texas Education Code, Chapter 12
Charter school administrators should become familiar with the laws that apply to charter schools. Chapter 12 of the TEC (outside source) discusses many, but not all, charter school issues. Subchapter D of Chapter 12 is specific to open-enrollment charter schools; Subchapter E of Chapter 12 is specific to university charter schools.
Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 100
The TAC contains rules adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the commissioner of education. The SBOE and the commissioner of education may adopt new rules or amendments to existing rules. Title 19 TAC, Chapter 100, is the primary source of rules that apply to open-enrollment charter schools.
Region 11 Charter Schools Professional Development Needs?
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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!
Upcoming Events & Deadlines for 2021-2022
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2023
August
- August 24 - Cycle 1 Needs Assessment Launch ( Safety and Facility Enhancement (SAFE) Grant )
- August 24 - TEA's House Bill 3 Overview and Guidance Video
- August 24 - Region 11 EB Program Leader Meeting
- August 25 - 2022-23 Webinar Series: Taking the Helm and Navigating Accountability
- August 28, 29, or 30 - State Accountability System Webinars - Domain I Student Achievement, Domain II School Progress, and Domain III Closing the Gaps
- August 31 - iCoaches Assemble! Launching Your Year
September
- September 1 - New Special Education Director Collaboration 2023-2024 (ongoing)
- September 1 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - The Overview (3rd of 4 options for this required webinar)
- September 5 - DMAC Professional Learning and Implementation Support Webinar Series Virtual (ongoing)
- September 6 - Eduphoria Professional Learning & Implementation Support Webinar Series Virtual (ongoing)
- September 6 - TASA/Superintendent Study Group Meeting
- September 7 - School Counselor PLC Virtual
- September 7 - Appeal Date for Charter FIRST Ratings
- September 11 - Charter Waitlist TSDS Opens
- September 11-12 - Impact Coaching
- September 12 - TEA's Charter Operators Council (Small)
- September 12 - The Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs for Administrators - Lunch & Learn
- September 13 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - Performance Contracts (1st of 4 options for this required webinar)
- September 13 - 23-24 Connect, Collaborate, and Capture (ongoing)
- September 14 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - Submitting a Successful Application (1st of 4 options for this required webinar)
- September 14 - TEA's Charter Operators Council (Medium & Large)
- September 14 - September 2023 CTE & CCMR Leader Meeting
- September 15 - TEA Governance Reporting Form Training
- September 18 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - The Overview (Last option for this required webinar)
- September 20 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - Performance Contracts (2nd of 4 options for this required webinar)
- September 20 - 23-24 Special Programs Department Meetings (ongoing)
- September 21 - Senate Bill 1882 Texas Partnerships Applications - Submitting a Successful Application (2nd of 4 options for this required webinar)
- September 21 - ESC Region 11 Instructional Leaders Meeting - In Person
- September 21 - Data Analysis Advisory Meetings (ongoing)
- September 21 - Deadline to submit required information for the Safety and Facility Enhancement (SAFE) Grant
- September 22 - TEA Governance Reporting Form Training
- September 25-27 - Texas Public Charter Schools Association "Painting a Brighter Future" Conference
- September 26 - 2023 Accountability Ratings Published
- September 28 - 2023 Accountability Appeals Registration Window Opens
- September 28 - School Nurse Huddle Virtual
- September 29 - Charter Waitlist Snapshot Date
- September 29 - ESSER II Close-out - Last day to obligate funds