CKCS 2010 11 Year In Review WELCOME GOVERNING COUNCIL

CKCS 2010/11 Year In Review WELCOME GOVERNING COUNCIL, PASS INC, PARENT ROUND TABLE WELCOME NEW PARENT VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU 2010 VOLUNTEERS FOR MENTORING 2011 PARENTS

Agenda History of CKCS/Philosophy/CK/DI II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

History of CKCS Granted a charter in 1996 Founders were parents, remains parent-led Number of classes Follow Core Knowledge® Curriculum Use Direct Instruction (DI) teaching method K-5 Committed to K-8 program

Philosophy behind CK/DI Use of curricula and programs proven effective by scientific research Founders reviewed related literature on educational philosophy Founders reviewed results of most effective teaching methods Founders chose Core Knowledge Sequence and Direct Instruction Implementation of a rigorous curriculum A) focuses on core academics B) is sequenced to rely on prior learning C) standardized across all classrooms

Curriculum 1987 University of Virginia, English professor E. D. Hirsch – Cultural Literacy Curriculum focuses on core academics and covers a wide variety of contents in history, geography, science, art, literature, computer skills, music, math, and language arts Students are more successful in their studies when they work from a common base of both facts and ideas. A literate society, he stressed, needs a strong background of core knowledge that crosses generations and enable s people to communicate effectively. This holds through for all levels of ability and all socioeconomic backgrounds. Core content spirals thru grades, more sophisticated and detailed each year, represents a consensus of diverse groups and interests.

Direct Instruction (DI) FIRST- Administration of pre-testing using a standardized test in order to establish a baseline, and administration of the same test (different level) annually to determine academic gains (Curriculum Coordinator) THEN - Implement flexible groupings CKCS schedules reading, math and spelling at the same time in each room allowing for flexible instructional grouping across grade levels. According to their demonstrated instructional level Monitoring student progress And adjusting group placements throughout the school yr as necessary

Direct Instruction Teachers model specific skills and strategies, students practice these skills and strategies and apply in a wide variety of situations until mastery Used in (K-5) reading, spelling, written language and math Students are placed into groups according to their demonstrated instructional level and student’s progress throughout the school year.

Philosophy cont. Parents responsible for the governance of the school Bylaws- define 3 leadership groups and committees Parents work with school to actively engage in the education of children (classroom support) and operations of CKCS All work together for the good of the K-8 program Establishment of high expectations for student and staff behavior Values Based Expanding to community service i. e. K-8 JR. Achievement connection business/global market, Community Reps offer perspectives outside of education, etc.

Mission and Vision 1996 Mission Statement CKCS is a public education option for parents, students and teachers in the Verona Area School District where students develop strong learning skills and a broad base of knowledge through the use of proven educational materials and programs in a safe and structured environment Vision Statement Core Knowledge Charter School is a valued asset, community partner and highly regarded choice that motivates, challenges and educates all students.

Agenda History of CKCS/Philosophy/CK/DI II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

Charter Law / Contract/ Plan WI Statutes – Chapter 118 (General School Operations) WI Statutes – Chapter 118. 40 (Charter Schools) SB 22/AB 51, Open Enrollment, etc Third Renewal Agreement between VASD and PASS Inc (Oct 2009) Next 2013, generally agreeable Expansion must be approved by VASD Board (*per contract) with barriers** of demographics and facility space

District Defines Expansion Declined additional K section past 2 years due to space and demographics. Declined 4 K- 3 years ago due to exclusive focus on F/R demographic , no district 4 K until 2011/12. Special Planning language added to Management Plan 2009 to allow CKCS involvement in future district facility expansion 2010 CKCS marketing plan shared the unintentional barriers to growth of mature charters in VASD.

Barriers to CKCS Growth Mature charters, with successful academic scores and avg. demographics, lack funding sources in general Limited facility space and creates competition over funding and students despite district demand (waiting lists) Demographic representation challenged by lack of awareness of the charter option across all demographics in the district 2011 District hires consultant for vision, possible revenue streams, etc. 2011 CKCS PASS hires consultant feasibility study CKCS 2010 Mktg Plan- promotes awareness, shares successes, seeks community & parent engagement

Agenda History of CKCS/Philosophy/CK/DI II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

General Charter School Policy VASD – 342. 7 (General Charter School Policy) Instrumentality of the District- use district personnel Exempt from some district/state regulations Accountable to district and the parents who choose us w/ some exemptions to law Cannot ‘force’ a student to enroll in a charter

VASD Rule 342. 7 VASD – Rule 342. 7 Outlines 2 Annual Working Agreements between charter sites and building administrator to detail working relationship w/district as a Public charter 1. CKCS Management Plan- revisions due Aug 1 2. BRMS/CKCS Shared Services Plan- Agreements due May 1 Addresses student population expectations w/ demographics similar to the District (Within 5% of K-5 and 6 -8 low income students, as measured by Free/Reduced qualified)

VASD Rule 342. 7 continued Also Addresses Enrollment Rules Lottery timeline/guidelines John Schmitt- Charter Liaison Defines Priority for accepting students (K – siblings accepted first) 1 st (Students who qualify for free/reduced price meals) 2 nd (Students receiving special education services) 3 rd (Siblings of enrolled resident students) 2010/11 Open Enrollment where space allows

Agenda History of CKCS II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

Alignment of PRT/PASS/GC PRT- front line with parents Provide social events, provide cultural art and enrichment and engage parents in the school to support classroom teachers, facilitate communication and some fundraising GC- site council ensures process and policy approval with goals supporting strategic plan Bylaws, works together with parents/teachers to ensure K-8 program remains a viable option for families who choose it PASS- goes beyond holding the contract w/ District Promotes Community service/values, seek long-term sustainability funding, strengthens FDT to relieve PRT.

PRT Structure & Mission Parent Round Table (PRT) 5 officers (2 Co-Presidents, VP, Treasurer & Secretary) Support organization for parents, students & staff Mission Statement (original) The Core Knowledge Charter School Parent Round Table is a support organization for the parents, students and staff. The mission of the CKCS PRT is to inform parents of topics regarding CKCS, and to help the CKCS Governing Board in their decisionmaking process by discussing pertinent topics. All CKCS parents are invited to suggest topics for and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings.

PRT Purpose Success, Support and School Spirit begins at PRT Has the most contact and communication with parents and staff, strong Ambassadors The CKCS Parent Round Table Function: Support enrichment activities for grades K-8 Provide a forum for communication among CKCS parents/guardians Build community among students, families and staff Fund raising for both enrichment and operations- $ $ $ Coordinating Volunteers for K-5 classroom support, teacher appreciation Coordinating social, cultural and educational events for the school, largely K-5 2012 -13 – Return PRT to original Mission for K-8

Parent Engagement Results 250 families- GC Exec Committee goal to re-engage Approx 60% of parents sign up to do “something” and show up (only 4 no shows recorded) holiday parties avg. 40 visitors to drop off/attend Teachers report help 3 out of 5 days with strong help at parties, field trips and some dwindling by end of year as parent schedules change, etc. Approx 18% sign up for fundraising & more than half do the majority of the work - chair, staff, or do more than one job on the committee- PRT staffs all.

CKCS Parents Rock Confirms the 20/80 rule ONLY if we look exclusively at fundraising as the “work” Classroom help and teacher support is tremendous and should be commended, parents respond to teachers PRT can connect w/ teachers to make requests for support (all calls) and Room Parents to engage more (2009) Ev. 3 days we ask parents to volunteer, donate , contribute, buy, read, send in, etc. (goal : 2012) fewer, retain more profit + seek community $

PRT/GC/PASS Alignment of Key Leadership Teams PRT GC PASS

CKCS Governing Council- Reduced size in 2011 8 voting members (5 parents, Director, K-8 Teacher Rep, BRMS Representative) + 2 non-voting Community Reps Governs policies and procedures of the school, operates much like district site-councils 5 Committees (Budget, Curriculum, Executive, Hiring and Outreach or Fund Development Team) Oversees Strategic Planning Initiatives set in 2008 Management Plan defines issues resolution, confidentiality, etc Remains focused on accountability, program integrity, and excellent academic success in a K-8 CK/DI program

Budget Committee Changes 8 members include teachers representing Elementary and MS + Curriculum Coordinator + Director + PRT + GC+ 2 Parents Evaluates budget gap and needs for 1, 3, 5 years, meets quarterly in addition to the spring budget process Successful budget process for 2010 will be tested in 2011 I/P BC fundraising policy addresses - (2012) Calendar – fewer, who does what and when Recognizes some social fundraising/events needed at PRT to meet mission and increase school pride Efficiency (less time by volunteers, higher profit retained by CKCS) Leverages successful program to engage community support for other initiatives to allow CKCS to remain a viable option (FDT)

PRT/GC/PASS Alignment of Key Leadership Teams PRT GC PASS

PASS Parents Advocating Student Success, Inc (PASS) 5 members (President, VP, Secretary + Two the GC – President and GC Treasurer) Non-Profit, Holds the contract with the District Renewed focus on long-term planning for funds and organizational structure ( Advisory Committee forming) Ensure academic success and program integrity Launch Feasibility study w/ Phoenix May 2011/ August Review Leverage history and academic success and tax deductible status for increased community support Engage volunteers with specific skill set for clear purpose Board Dinner in July with training and 36 month plan

Our Agenda History of CKCS II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

Used to guide 2008 Strategic Plan Mission Statement CKCS is a public education option for parents, students and teachers in the Verona Area School District where students develop strong learning skills and a broad base of knowledge through the use of proven educational materials and programs in a safe and structured environment Vision Statement Core Knowledge Charter School is a valued asset, community partner and highly regarded choice that motivates, challenges and educates all students.

Core Values From Strategic Plan Accountability All members of our school community expect and want to be held accountable for student achievement. We are accountable to the district and to the Parents who choose us. Collaboration Parents, students, educators, and our community partners work together as a team to ensure student success. Excellence Highly trained and dedicated staff provide rigorous curricula and instruction that challenge all students to excel. Values Based Parents and educators teach and model core virtues with the expectation that our students will live these virtues.

Strategic Plan (May 2008) Strategic Plan defines GC & Committee Direction Goal 1 - Educational Equity and Educational Impact/Quality) Strengthen our K-8 school to maximize success for all students Goal 2 - Marketing/Awareness Increase community understanding, awareness and support of CKCS Goal 3 – Revenue/Funding Ensure adequate funding to support our educational program Goal 4 – Facilities Secure the facilities and space needed to sustain success of CKCS Goal 5 – Parent Engagement Increase the number of parents participating and engaging in the education of their children and in the operation of CKCS

Our Agenda History of CKCS II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

Ex. C Results for Strategic Plan 2010 -11 Educational Equity/Impact/Quality + SP Goal 3 - Revenue/Funding SP Goal 1 Objective- Increase enrollment in proportion to projected VASD growth while maintaining program integrity- RESULT: added MS 25: 1, Saved 6 K in Operations reduced committee members and increase in Workbook Fees. SP Goal 4– Facilities Objective- Develop long-term facility plans based on desired/projected growth. RESULT: Enrollment request included facility space review, consultants interviewed at CKCS to determine fund raising feasibility, District hired consultant to address bricks and mortar, revenue streams, vision, etc.

Executive Committee Results SP Goal 3 - Objective - Develop and implement multi-year fund development plan RESULT: FDT set goals, met regularly, community fund event TBA, saved $2 K in workbooks, earned $350 in grants and raised $1600 through CKCS family business partnership. SP Goal 5 Revenue/Funding – Parent Engagement- PRT- $35 K over 2 yrs. Objective- Increase the number of parent volunteers- RESULT - PEGG introduced, volunteers tracked, 29% Spring 2010, 61% Fall 2010, engaged Ambassadors for 2011, history of parentled shared at Registration and Conversations and via informed/thanked more in Courier, PRT informed need.

Exec Committee Results SP Goal 2 - Marketing Awareness Objective- Develop and Implement multi-year marketing and PR plan with targeted objectives and new marketing materials. RESULT: Marketing plan shared with district, collaborating with district on K Informational meetings while FDT and GC absorb PSM outreach efforts, collaborate with PASS to implement recommendations of Feasibility Study over summer/fall 2011. Executive Committee Continues to focus on the ensuring CKCS remains a viable option and doing things “differently” to maintain program integrity and continue academic success.

Wine or Whine? Personal goals- take it out of the bubble and off the sidewalk, encourage respectful conversations and collaboration, gratitude attitude and kids first. Results- A lot Accomplished – some at the GC table, most in committees, more around kitchen tables over cups of coffee or at beer summits, and via long and wordy emails. Alignment and working together for our K-8 school Asking Questions- Addressing Details- More Communication

GC Goals- 50% met Goal 1 - Continue implementation of Growth* and Facility Plan- MET 1/6 - largely district decision due to space - Requested but denied 3 rd section of K, MS approved 14 -25 students, 25: 1 ratio, but inadequate for operating budget increases + Maintained flexibility in class size policy with more teacher/director input and less uninformed GC e-votes + Addressed SB with expansion concerns and VASB s unintentional barriers to growth of mature charter schools. * indicates potential as 2011/12 goal

GC Results cont. Goal 2 - Demonstrate academic excellence in Reading and Math for all students- MET 3/5 Math Ad-Hoc committee met, recommendations were included in Budget for 2011/12. Maintained proficient and advanced in reading and math on WKCE Did not Improve scores by 5% on NCE * Did not Meet expected growth target for all MAP scores*

GC Results Goal 3 - Improve the writing scale from 4 -8 th grade- Met 0/3 - Note: Goals are v. high, not tracked by other schools - 75% /100% maintained 4 th gr. Writing score 32% /75% increased writing score by. 5 or better 21. 4% /50% increased their writing score by 1. 0 or better

GC Results Goal 4 - Increase demographic representation to meet VASD goals so we can expand (K approval) met 3/4 + Work orchestrated by Outreach Committee- PSM position eliminated for 2011/12. ++District enrollment shows 10% growth in F/R population, CKCS increased from 24% to 34% of lottery applicants F/R (10%) but CKCS OVERALL is still 2% short of district average. Incredible improvement in 2010. + District changes via Charter Liaison* may have improved awareness of charter option, Outreach’s Talk to Two + personal tours/info was most effective at CKCS

GC Results Goal 5 - Seek creative forms of revenue. Increase demographic representation to meet VASD goals so we can expand (K approval) met 5/7 +FDT established processes, focused on grant writing and exploring community/business connections + Feasibility study to determine if Excellence Campaign will continue ($9 K in 2010 - but from current parents) + Consultants interviewed, Phoenix hired, reviewed 4 K and Virtual options, Budget Committee defines umbrella approach to take funding beyond parents into larger community*

New District Technology Goal 6 - District Technology goal was requested and Met. +Teachers created a goal to incorporate technology in curriculum to improve higher order problem solving skills. CKCS Governing Council remains focused on bringing program to more families and maintaining program integrity.

Our Agenda History of CKCS II. WI Charter School Law / Contract with PASS III. VASD 342. 7 General C S Policy, VASD Rule 342. 7 IV. Management Plan, Shared Services Plan V. Key Leadership Teams GC/PASS/PRT/Roles VI. CKCS Mission/Vision/Core Values / VII. 2008 Strategic Plan / 2010 Exec Committee Results VIII. 2010/11 GC Goal Results/ All Committee Summary IX. Challenges X. References / Websites I.

Challenges over next 36 months Maintain program integrity despite decline in state funding Do CK/DI “differently” to improve efficiency ensure student success (accountability) Long-term funding sustainability Update district agreements to plan for flexibility of creative revenue use and protection of unique program differences Strengthen and Support Leadership across K-8

Thumbs Up or Down? Alignment of PRT/GC/PASS to same goals? Ad Hoc Committees? Addressing Parents at Orientation for ES and MS? Talk to Two? Projectors instead of Paperwork (Rm 102 for GC)? Everyone rotate to attend School Board meetings? Teachers rotate to attend GC meetings? Recording the minutes/Writing during meeting?

Thumbs Up or Down? Google Docs or Drop Box for document sharing, storage and reference? Reducing fundraising to one or two BIG events? Sharing our success with the community? Getting things done together over the Summer? Conference Calls instead of on-site Meetings? Other?

References/Websites Greatest sources of reference information were from Bob Mc. Nallie, Chris Uelmen, discussions with teachers for a reality check and many calls/discussions with last years GC president Lisa Quakenbush. On-line link is being created Updated Binders coming out in July meeting

Ongoing Recruiting for Skill set starts with putting a Positive spin on what you do as a volunteer, Train your replacement, then be a Mentor. Thank you