Smarter Choices, Better Education: Improving California Charter Schools

Report #202, November 2010
Smarter Choices, Better Education: Improving California Charter Schools

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Calls on State to Improve Authorization and Oversight of California Charter Schools

The Little Hoover Commission on Thursday urged the Governor and the Legislature to take important corrective steps to improve the charter school authorization process and promote the use of performance contracts to help ensure that all California students receive a high-quality education.

When first enacted in 1992, California’s charter school law was designed to give teachers and school administrators flexibility from the state’s bureaucratic education code by encouraging innovations in education in exchange for increased accountability. Lessons learned from charter schools were intended to be shared throughout the entire public school system, to benefit all students. Although charter schools have flourished in California, and some are among the highest-performing schools in the state, successful models and teaching innovations have yet to filter to traditional public schools. The Commission found over the course of this study, that in many school districts, charter schools are outsiders to the public school system, rather than a tool for the district to incubate new educational strategies.

“California charter schools in some of the state’s most troubled neighborhoods have proven all students can learn, when expectations are high, teachers are supported and have freedom to innovate and parents are invited to be involved in the school,” Little Hoover Commission Chairman Daniel Hancock said. “California must eliminate the artificial barriers that prevent successful schools from being replicated and encourage the knowledge transfer between schools so all California students have the opportunity to succeed.”

In this study, the Commission found that the state’s dysfunctional charter authorizing process limits accessibility to high quality charter schools and recommended the state expand its options for charter school authorization. At the same time, the state must do more to ensure consistently poor-performing charter schools either improve or close their doors.

Ideally, valid and viable charter school petitions are authorized by local school districts that also oversee the charter schools to monitor their success. This is the case in some school districts, but unfortunately is not the case statewide. A growing number of charter school petitioners who are denied by local school districts use the state’s appellate process to seek authorization from county offices of education or, ultimately, the State Board of Education. The Commission found that the State Board of Education has become the second largest charter school authorizer, and as a result, charter school authorization and oversight issues are consuming a disproportionate amount of the State Board’s agenda.

In its report, Smarter Choices, Better Education: Improving California Charter Schools, the Commission recommends the state establish the California Board of Charter Schools to provide an additional avenue for charter school petitioners seeking authorization and provide oversight for schools authorized at the state level. This new board would both free up the State Board of Education to focus on broader state education policy issues and create a charter school knowledge center within state government. This new board also should be tasked with strengthening charter school accountability by promoting the use of performance contracts in the authorization process. Specifically, the Commission recommends that the state:

  • Establish the California Board of Charter Schools. The Board of Charter schools should serve as an independent entity within the Department of Education, responsible for authorizing charter petitions, overseeing charter schools authorized at the state level and providing technical assistance and sharing best practices on charter school authorization with school districts and county offices of education. Board members should be appointed by the Governor and Legislature for their knowledge and experience in education.
     
  • Authorize the State Board of Education to oversee charter school authorizers. To improve accountability and oversight capacity of charter school authorizers, the State Board of Education should be given the authority to oversee charter school authorizers. School districts should have the ability to opt out of the role of charter school authorization. The State Board should have the ability to grant exclusive chartering authority to certain qualified local school districts and to revoke local district charter authorizing and oversight responsibility when districts fail to authorize or renew charter schools that meet state criteria, or fail to close schools that perform below required criteria.
     
  • Develop a model performance contract for authorizers and charter schools by 2012. The new California Board of Charter Schools should develop a model performance contract that describes the rights and responsibilities of charter school operators and authorizers to hold both parties accountable and to define and enforce each party’s rights. Once a model contract is developed, the state should require performance contracts between charter school authorizers and charter schools.
     
  • Improve charter school renewal criteria by 2012. To improve and clarify renewal criteria, the California Board of Charter Schools should work with stakeholders to develop recommendations for policy-makers to strengthen charter school renewal criteria.
     
  • Change the time limits granted for charter petitions. To ensure new charter schools are granted enough time to incubate, the state should require new charter schools to be authorized for a minimum of five years. To reward high-performing charter schools and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, the state should allow consistently successful charter schools to be renewed for up to 10 years.
     

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are sent to the Governor and the Legislature. To obtain a copy of the report, Smarter Choices, Better Education: Improving California Charter Schools, contact the Commission or visit its Web site: www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed California’s charter school system. This study included a review of the role of the entities that authorize school charters in California and other states, as well as the accountability and oversight measures in place to ensure the success of the state’s charter schools. 

The Commission last reviewed the state’s charter school system in 1996, just three years after the charter school movement came to California. In that report, the Commission recommended eliminating the then-100-school cap; direct state funding of charter schools and recognizing charter schools as separate, legal agencies. The Commission also recommended creating alternative sponsors and petition mechanisms and clarifying the funding base for charter schools.


Previous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to improve the charter school authorization process and promote the use of performance contracts to help ensure that all California students receive a high-quality education.

During its review, the Commission found that California’s dysfunctional charter school authorization process thwarts efforts to expand successful charter school models and innovative approaches to education and makes it difficult to close consistently poor-performing charter schools.

The Commission recommends establishing an independent statewide board of charter schools and expanding methods of holding schools accountable through performance contracts.

Print Agenda
  • June 8
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 3:00 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N St
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 25, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on June 8, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building located at 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The discussion at this meeting will focus on identifying ways to improve the accountability, oversight and transparency of the state’s charter school system, including how to improve the charter school authorization process and whether more entities should have the authority to approve charters.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

  • May 4
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Elihu Harris Building, Room 11, 1515 Clay Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 20, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on May 4, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 11 of the Elihu Harris Building located at 1515 Clay Street in Oakland. The discussion at this meeting will focus on improving the role of authorizers, including opportunities to refine current statutory language for charter school authorization and renewal and options for expanding authorizers. The Commission also will discuss knowledge transfer of best practices between charters schools and traditional schools.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

  • March 15
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Junipero Serra Building, 7th Floor Conference Roo
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 1, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

    Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

  • March 15
    2010
    Charter Schools
    10:00 a.m., 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 1, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

    Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

  • February 25
    2010
    Charter Schools
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Charter Schools
    Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    LAUSD Public School Choice Resolution

    1. Parker Hudnut, Executive Director, Innovation and Charter Schools Division, Los Angeles Unified School District (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Yolie Flores, Vice President, Los Angeles Unified School District, Board of Education (Written Testimony)
       

    California Teachers Association Perspective

    1. Jennifer Baker, Legislative Advocate, California Teachers Association (Written Testimony)
       

    The Role of the State Board of Education

    1. Johnathan Williams, Member, State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 22, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting - Revised

    On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission will hold its business meeting immediately following the hearing. The location of the business meeting has changed from the State Capitol to the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

  • November 19
    2009
    Charter Schools
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Charter Schools
    Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    National Perspective: Improving Charter Schools and their Authorizers

    1. Greg Richmond, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Charter School Authorizers (Written Testimony)
       

    Charter Management Organizations: Replicating Success in Los Angeles

    1. Steve Barr, Founder & Chairman, Green Dot Public Schools (Written Testimony)
       

    School Authorizers: Improving Oversight and Accountability

    1. Charles Weis, Superintendent of Schools, Santa Clara County Office of Education (Written Testimony)
       

    California School Board Association: Strengthening the Charter School System

    1. Josephine Lucey, Vice President of the Board, Cupertino Union School District (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Stephanie Medrano Farland, Senior Research and Policy Consultant, California School Boards Association (Written Testimony)


    Charter Schools: Expanding Accountability and Replicating Success

    1. Jed Wallace, President & Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 5, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the governance structure of the state’s charter school system as well as the authority and oversight functions of the charter authorizing agencies. The Commission also will examine the criteria for charter school renewal and issues of financing charter school facilities. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss how the state can better hold charter schools accountable.

    The Commission will hear from the president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, who will discuss how to improve charter schools from a national perspective. The founder and chairman of Green Dot Public Schools will talk about the role of charter management organizations as well as recent developments in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Santa Clara County superintendent of schools will discuss the role of charter school authorizers and the opportunities to improve oversight. The Commission also will hear from a panel representing the California School Board Association also will discuss options to improve oversight as well as options for enhancing transparency. Finally, the executive director of the California Charter Schools Association will talk about opportunities for expanding accountability in the state’s charter school system.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 12, 2009.

June 8
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 3:00 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on June 8, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building located at 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The discussion at this meeting will focus on identifying ways to improve the accountability, oversight and transparency of the state’s charter school system, including how to improve the charter school authorization process and whether more entities should have the authority to approve charters.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

May 4
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Elihu Harris Building, Room 11, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on May 4, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 11 of the Elihu Harris Building located at 1515 Clay Street in Oakland. The discussion at this meeting will focus on improving the role of authorizers, including opportunities to refine current statutory language for charter school authorization and renewal and options for expanding authorizers. The Commission also will discuss knowledge transfer of best practices between charters schools and traditional schools.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

March 15
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Junipero Serra Building, 7th Floor Conference Room, 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

March 15
2010
Charter Schools
10:00 a.m., 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

February 25
2010
Charter Schools
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Charter Schools
Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

LAUSD Public School Choice Resolution

  1. Parker Hudnut, Executive Director, Innovation and Charter Schools Division, Los Angeles Unified School District (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Yolie Flores, Vice President, Los Angeles Unified School District, Board of Education (Written Testimony)
     

California Teachers Association Perspective

  1. Jennifer Baker, Legislative Advocate, California Teachers Association (Written Testimony)
     

The Role of the State Board of Education

  1. Johnathan Williams, Member, State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting - Revised

On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission will hold its business meeting immediately following the hearing. The location of the business meeting has changed from the State Capitol to the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

November 19
2009
Charter Schools
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Charter Schools
Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

National Perspective: Improving Charter Schools and their Authorizers

  1. Greg Richmond, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Charter School Authorizers (Written Testimony)
     

Charter Management Organizations: Replicating Success in Los Angeles

  1. Steve Barr, Founder & Chairman, Green Dot Public Schools (Written Testimony)
     

School Authorizers: Improving Oversight and Accountability

  1. Charles Weis, Superintendent of Schools, Santa Clara County Office of Education (Written Testimony)
     

California School Board Association: Strengthening the Charter School System

  1. Josephine Lucey, Vice President of the Board, Cupertino Union School District (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Stephanie Medrano Farland, Senior Research and Policy Consultant, California School Boards Association (Written Testimony)


Charter Schools: Expanding Accountability and Replicating Success

  1. Jed Wallace, President & Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the governance structure of the state’s charter school system as well as the authority and oversight functions of the charter authorizing agencies. The Commission also will examine the criteria for charter school renewal and issues of financing charter school facilities. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss how the state can better hold charter schools accountable.

The Commission will hear from the president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, who will discuss how to improve charter schools from a national perspective. The founder and chairman of Green Dot Public Schools will talk about the role of charter management organizations as well as recent developments in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Santa Clara County superintendent of schools will discuss the role of charter school authorizers and the opportunities to improve oversight. The Commission also will hear from a panel representing the California School Board Association also will discuss options to improve oversight as well as options for enhancing transparency. Finally, the executive director of the California Charter Schools Association will talk about opportunities for expanding accountability in the state’s charter school system.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 12, 2009.

Print Agenda
  • June 8
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 3:00 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N St
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 25, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on June 8, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building located at 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The discussion at this meeting will focus on identifying ways to improve the accountability, oversight and transparency of the state’s charter school system, including how to improve the charter school authorization process and whether more entities should have the authority to approve charters.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

  • May 4
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Elihu Harris Building, Room 11, 1515 Clay Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 20, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on May 4, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 11 of the Elihu Harris Building located at 1515 Clay Street in Oakland. The discussion at this meeting will focus on improving the role of authorizers, including opportunities to refine current statutory language for charter school authorization and renewal and options for expanding authorizers. The Commission also will discuss knowledge transfer of best practices between charters schools and traditional schools.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

  • March 15
    2010
    Charter Schools
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Junipero Serra Building, 7th Floor Conference Roo
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 1, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

    Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

  • March 15
    2010
    Charter Schools
    10:00 a.m., 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 1, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

    The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

    Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

  • February 25
    2010
    Charter Schools
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Charter Schools
    Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    LAUSD Public School Choice Resolution

    1. Parker Hudnut, Executive Director, Innovation and Charter Schools Division, Los Angeles Unified School District (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Yolie Flores, Vice President, Los Angeles Unified School District, Board of Education (Written Testimony)
       

    California Teachers Association Perspective

    1. Jennifer Baker, Legislative Advocate, California Teachers Association (Written Testimony)
       

    The Role of the State Board of Education

    1. Johnathan Williams, Member, State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 22, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting - Revised

    On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Commission will hold its business meeting immediately following the hearing. The location of the business meeting has changed from the State Capitol to the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

  • November 19
    2009
    Charter Schools
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Charter Schools
    Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    National Perspective: Improving Charter Schools and their Authorizers

    1. Greg Richmond, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Charter School Authorizers (Written Testimony)
       

    Charter Management Organizations: Replicating Success in Los Angeles

    1. Steve Barr, Founder & Chairman, Green Dot Public Schools (Written Testimony)
       

    School Authorizers: Improving Oversight and Accountability

    1. Charles Weis, Superintendent of Schools, Santa Clara County Office of Education (Written Testimony)
       

    California School Board Association: Strengthening the Charter School System

    1. Josephine Lucey, Vice President of the Board, Cupertino Union School District (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Stephanie Medrano Farland, Senior Research and Policy Consultant, California School Boards Association (Written Testimony)


    Charter Schools: Expanding Accountability and Replicating Success

    1. Jed Wallace, President & Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 5, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the governance structure of the state’s charter school system as well as the authority and oversight functions of the charter authorizing agencies. The Commission also will examine the criteria for charter school renewal and issues of financing charter school facilities. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss how the state can better hold charter schools accountable.

    The Commission will hear from the president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, who will discuss how to improve charter schools from a national perspective. The founder and chairman of Green Dot Public Schools will talk about the role of charter management organizations as well as recent developments in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Santa Clara County superintendent of schools will discuss the role of charter school authorizers and the opportunities to improve oversight. The Commission also will hear from a panel representing the California School Board Association also will discuss options to improve oversight as well as options for enhancing transparency. Finally, the executive director of the California Charter Schools Association will talk about opportunities for expanding accountability in the state’s charter school system.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 12, 2009.

June 8
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 3:00 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on June 8, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building located at 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The discussion at this meeting will focus on identifying ways to improve the accountability, oversight and transparency of the state’s charter school system, including how to improve the charter school authorization process and whether more entities should have the authority to approve charters.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

May 4
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Elihu Harris Building, Room 11, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold an advisory committee meeting on May 4, 2010, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 11 of the Elihu Harris Building located at 1515 Clay Street in Oakland. The discussion at this meeting will focus on improving the role of authorizers, including opportunities to refine current statutory language for charter school authorization and renewal and options for expanding authorizers. The Commission also will discuss knowledge transfer of best practices between charters schools and traditional schools.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

March 15
2010
Charter Schools
1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Junipero Serra Building, 7th Floor Conference Room, 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

March 15
2010
Charter Schools
10:00 a.m., 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Site Visit and Meeting 

The Charter School Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet with officials at the View Park Prep Middle and High School campus located at 5701 S. Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m., to tour the school and discuss the charter school system in Los Angeles. Because of school security procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Commission office by Monday, March 8, 2010, if you plan on attending this tour.

Following the school tour, the subcommittee will hold an advisory committee meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the Junipero Serra Building located at 320 West 4th Street in Los Angeles. The meeting will provide the Commission an opportunity to hear from Los Angeles Unified School District parents, teachers, officials and charter school operators about implementation of the Public Choice Resolution and learn lessons from LAUSD that might be leveraged to improve the broader state charter school system.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, March 8, 2010.

February 25
2010
Charter Schools
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Charter Schools
Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

LAUSD Public School Choice Resolution

  1. Parker Hudnut, Executive Director, Innovation and Charter Schools Division, Los Angeles Unified School District (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Yolie Flores, Vice President, Los Angeles Unified School District, Board of Education (Written Testimony)
     

California Teachers Association Perspective

  1. Jennifer Baker, Legislative Advocate, California Teachers Association (Written Testimony)
     

The Role of the State Board of Education

  1. Johnathan Williams, Member, State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting - Revised

On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Commission will hold its business meeting immediately following the hearing. The location of the business meeting has changed from the State Capitol to the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

November 19
2009
Charter Schools
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Charter Schools
Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

National Perspective: Improving Charter Schools and their Authorizers

  1. Greg Richmond, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Charter School Authorizers (Written Testimony)
     

Charter Management Organizations: Replicating Success in Los Angeles

  1. Steve Barr, Founder & Chairman, Green Dot Public Schools (Written Testimony)
     

School Authorizers: Improving Oversight and Accountability

  1. Charles Weis, Superintendent of Schools, Santa Clara County Office of Education (Written Testimony)
     

California School Board Association: Strengthening the Charter School System

  1. Josephine Lucey, Vice President of the Board, Cupertino Union School District (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Stephanie Medrano Farland, Senior Research and Policy Consultant, California School Boards Association (Written Testimony)


Charter Schools: Expanding Accountability and Replicating Success

  1. Jed Wallace, President & Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on the state’s charter school system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the governance structure of the state’s charter school system as well as the authority and oversight functions of the charter authorizing agencies. The Commission also will examine the criteria for charter school renewal and issues of financing charter school facilities. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss how the state can better hold charter schools accountable.

The Commission will hear from the president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, who will discuss how to improve charter schools from a national perspective. The founder and chairman of Green Dot Public Schools will talk about the role of charter management organizations as well as recent developments in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Santa Clara County superintendent of schools will discuss the role of charter school authorizers and the opportunities to improve oversight. The Commission also will hear from a panel representing the California School Board Association also will discuss options to improve oversight as well as options for enhancing transparency. Finally, the executive director of the California Charter Schools Association will talk about opportunities for expanding accountability in the state’s charter school system.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 12, 2009.