Action Research-Needs Assessment 1/31

I spoke to Lisa Gillis (Operations Administrator) about possibilities of two projects – integrated curriculum and learning communities within a CAVA grade level. Finding and implementing two way to improve the “community” on the CB I knew she was already in support of the blended model with learning communities and the virtual schooling at home. I also spoke to Kathy and Wendy at Fielding about finding research done to support the Felix board.

Action Research-Article Analysis Exercise

“Charter School Authorizing: Policy Implications from a National Study” 1/30/05 Main purpose- to educate audience more about types of authorizing governances, and the components of success with or lack of Key question – What components of authorizing boards make successful charter schools? How are charters doing across the country? A charter is a contract between the school operator and the authorizer. Surveyed each type of governance: major charter (authorizing of at least 3+ operating charter schools charter operators (those actually running schools) knowledgeable observers of the statewide charter scene (people not doing either but familiar with activities) Findings (most important/conclusions) Most major authorizers were doing an overall adequate job, but red tape and “compliance creep” remain concerns. Not doing good at balancing accountability with flexibility which is an effect from the charter laws. (Inference) Many state policy environments were not supportive of charter schools and authorizers. Political support weak, public isn’t educated about charters, authorizers not accountable to anyone. Local school boards generally did not make good authorizers, which state school boards fared better. Not adequate infrastructure in place to support authorizing efforts. (Inference) States with fewer authorizers, serving more schools each, appeared to be doing a better job. When more schools were involved, staff was more dedicated and streamlined. (Inference) Two key factors for effective authorizing: the ability to make rational data-driven decisions rather than polictically driven (Inference) having enough staff dedicated to the task of authorizing whom are not driven b traditional forms of compliance-based accountability. (Inference) Assumptions: audience knows … what school boards do and their purpose in authorizing what authorizing means/entails. what’s the difference between compliance-based accountability vs other kinds (what other kinds are there or could there be?) how charter schools are/can be a beneficial movement 5. that the charters, operators, observers were the best subjects to survey 6. authorizing agencies are necessary Predermined weights to operator responses based on what equation? Triangular data (many forms of data)