NCDPI Office of Charter Schools (OCS) Update

Follow the Office of Charter Schools on Twitter    Contact: ocs@dpi.nc.gov   The Office of Charter Schools is officially tweeting! Follow us @NCCharterOffice for news, updates, and to see the great things happening at charter schools around the state.

CHARTER SCHOOLS:  DID YOU KNOW?   Driver Education info for charter schools   Driver education is reasonably available all year round in all districts. Summer and holiday breaks are our busiest times of year! Although the program is state-funded, districts may charge a fee up to $65/student to offset costs of the program. Districts charging a fee must have a process in place to waive or reduce the fee based on the economic needs of the student. The district in which your charter school is physically located is where your students are to enroll. Exceptions may occur in the first year of your charter having a 9th grade. Local districts may offer alternatives to after-school classes, therefore, it is encouraged that you have a method of keeping abreast of times and locations, as well as, the driving phase is offered.   Out-of-state students enrolled in your school are eligible to enroll, however, cannot be licensed in North Carolina unless they establish a residence. Students who physically do not attend your school are considered “home schooled” as it relates to driver eligibility. Exception - approved virtual charter schools. Karl A. Logan Section Chief Driver Education Section | School Operations Division Email: karl.logan@dpi.nc.gov | Office: 919/807-3419

Teacher Licensure Requirements – Reminder

Per NC General Statute 115C-218.90(a1) and State Board of Education (SBE) Policy CHTR-006, a charter school is required to maintain certification of at least fifty percent (50%) of its teachers.

As a reminder, per SBE Policy CHTR-006, charter schools shall maintain compliance with the law regarding licensure percentage requirements from December 31 of each year through the end of the school calendar year. Failure to do so is noncompliance with the statutory requirement, which shall result in a school’s placement on Governance Cautionary Status for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year.

The Office of Charter Schools receives a monthly licensure report on each school’s current licensure percentage utilizing data from the PowerSchool schedule and the NC Online State Licensure System. Correspondence regarding governance noncompliance for failure to meet at least fifty percent (50%) licensure ratio has been delivered to the applicable schools in the month of January.

Please note that this report is checked monthly and that charter schools are required to comply with the state law regarding licensure through the end of the school year. It is important that schools continue to monitor and address licensure compliance for the months of February through June to avoid the designation of noncompliance for the 2018-2019 school year.

Please be aware that expired, out-of-State, out-of-area, or out-of-grade level licenses do not count towards your school’s licensure percentage.  Also, be aware that improper coding of teachers or courses, or lack of student assignment, or teacher social security numbers entered incorrectly could be affecting your licensure percentage calculation.  Finally, teachers that work as “pull-out” instructors will not be picked up by the data because they are not connected to a course code. For those teachers, and for any other data assistance issues, please contact Mike Cash, NCDPI Data Analyst, at 919-807-3338 or Mike.Cash@dpi.nc.gov. The Office of Charter Schools does not have access to the data used to generate these reports.

If you have any specific questions regarding licensure, including how to obtain or renew a license, please contact the DPI Licensure Section at (919) 807-3310 or asklicensure@dpi.nc.gov. 

Please direct any additional questions to Ashley Baquero, Office of Charter Schools Consultant, at 919-807-3457 or Ashley.baquero@dpi.nc.gov. 

***Statutory and Policy Links***

https://stateboard.ncpublicschools.gov/policy-manual/charter-schools-administration/copy_of_policy-for-charter-schools-on-financial-and-governance-noncompliance

https://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_115c/GS_115C-218.90.pdf

2019 Performance Framework March Submission   OCS collects evidence of operational, financial, and academic compliance through the Charter School Performance Framework (PF). Please find the submission criteria due on Sunday, March 31, 2019.  Deadline- March 31, 2019 - All Schools   A01.2 – Parent Letter for Schools with a D or F A13 – Fire, OSHA, and Other Required Health or Safety Inspections A15 – Civil and Liability Insurance Certificate A16 – Board Criminal History Check Policy A19 – EMO/CMO Public Records Request A21 – School Improvement Plan   For more information, please check out to the March Submission Guide linked here. This guide contains Frequently Asked Questions, submission instructions, and general guidelines for the PF evidence documents due by March 31, 2019. [Note: for optimal use of the links within the document, it is best to download a copy of the PDF]   All schools must submit the required documents per the established reporting timelines. Please submit information through the web-based tool Epicenter; to view the webinar training recording click here. Submission tasks have been assigned to all schools, including items that may be deemed Not Applicable. Please read the instructions provided in Epicenter for each submission task carefully.   Users are invited to the Epicenter by NCDPI OCS staff. To request a user for your school, the lead administrator must send an email to ocs@dpi.nc.gov with the following information of the requested user: 1) first and last name, 2) school email address, 3) position at the school, and 4) the name of the school.   Web-based Resources: March Submission Resources Frequently Asked Questions   For questions regarding the 2019 Charter School Performance Framework, please send an email to performanceframework@dpi.nc.gov.    For technical support, please contact the Epicenter Support Center at (855) 899-1624 or support@epicenternow.org.

Regional NCStar Trainings in March & April – Registration NOW OPEN   From 8:30am – 1:00pm at each location, beginner training will be conducted and then from 2pm-4pm each location will have a Q&A session for experienced users. Registration is open at www.ncstar.weebly.com.   Space is limited and registration for each site will close once site capacity is reached. Please remember that any school identified in a federal or state list will be required to use NCStar to create and manage their school improvement plan.   SANDHILLS o March 29th – Sampson County Schools Boardroom at 437 Rowan Road in Clinton NORTHWEST o April 12th – Olive Hill Resource Center at 509 West Concord Street in Morganton WESTERN o April 5th – Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College at 447 College Drive in Sylva SOUTHWEST o April 3rd – Linda Rader Staff Development Center at 240 Eighth Avenue in Cramerton NORTH CENTRAL o April 10th – Harnett Health Sciences Center at 51 Red Mulberry Way in Lilington SOUTHEAST o March 26th – New Hanover County Schools Board of Education Center at 1805 South 13th Street in Wilmington NORTHEAST o March 28th – Sadie Saulter Educational Center at 400 Spruce Street in Greenville PIEDMONT-TRIAD o April 11th – Workforce Development & Continuing Education Building at 629 Industrial Park Avenue in Asheboro, NC

 NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Update

Greetings HR Directors:

In an effort to keep you all better informed about changes to state policy, NCDPI will begin offering monthly webinars closely following State Board of Education meetings.  The purpose of the webinars is to provide you with the opportunity to hear about proposed and approved changes to state policy that have an impact on Human Resources departments.  

Because we anticipate many participants, the webinar will not offer a "Q & A" session.  We will, however, have a chat feature enabled and will try to answer the most common questions raised from the field.  Additionally, we will record these webinars and place those recordings online so you will be able to hear the information even if you are unable to attend.  Attendance is, of course, optional, but we hope you all will join us for the webinars.

DPI will send out calendar invites to all Personnel Administrators listed in EDDIE.  If your EDDIE account is not up to date, please update it as soon as possible.  HR Directors may forward the invitation to any staff member they feel would benefit from attending. 

Here is a list of the dates we are planning to schedule the webinars:  

April 5

May 7

June 7

July 15

August 12

September 6

October 4

November 8

December 6

Specific times and the login for the webinar will be provided in the invitation.  Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Thomas Tomberlin

Director, Educator Recruitment and Support

Office of the Deputy State Superintendent of District Support

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

(O) 919-807-3440

Regional Autism Support Team Meetings   Attached is a Memorandum announcing professional development opportunities for Autism Support teams.  Follow this link to access registration: https://bit.ly/2GllCV6   If you have any questions contact Maureen Kaniuka. (maureen.kaniuka@dpi.nc.gov)   Memo-Regional Autism Support Team Meetings.pdf   2019 Dyslexia Capacity Building Application   Attached is a Memorandum announcing professional development opportunities on Dyslexia Capacity Building.   If you have any questions contact Lynne Loeser at 919-807-3980 or lynne.loeser@dpi.nc.gov.   2019 Dyslexia Delegate Memo.pdf 2019 APPLICATION - Dyslexia Capacity Building Application.docx

Reminder - Prepare for April 2019 Child Count

This email serves as a reminder for your LEA/Charter/SOP to prepare for the April 2019 Child Count submission in CECAS.  The April 2019 Test Child Count is currently available in CECAS until close of business on 3/29/2019.  The April 2019 Test Child Count allows LEAs/Charters/SOPs to check for and correct any data errors in student records prior to the “live” child count submission. The April 2019 "live" Child Count opens on 4/1/2019.  The deadline to certify the April 2019 Child Count submission is by close of business on 4/19/2019. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Regional Trainers, Khalilah O'Farrow-Boulware at khalilah.ofarrow@dpi.nc.gov or Jennifer Sims at jennifer.sims@dpi.nc.gov. Thank you.

APRIL 2019 TEST CHILD COUNT - Review Reports:

To access the reports listed below from the left navigation menu, click to expand the Reports section. Then, click to expend the Special Ed section.

• Review the Periodic Count Export Student List Report for the number of active students and non-active students with a current Comparable Services Plan that will be included in the submission. Select your Region, select your LEA, select Count Period - April 2019 Test Child Count, select Active (Including Comparable Services), select Entitled and click Preview.
• Review the Active Student Services Report for the number of students with the Active status and a current plan. Be sure to change the "As Of Date" on the report criteria screen to 4/1/2019.
• Review the Closed Services By Student Report for any student records that need a current plan entered if they are still served in your LEA/Charter School, or need to be exited if they are no longer being served in your LEA/Charter School.
• Review the Case Manager Report to identify students assigned to a specific case manager and their documented Setting. 

APRIL 2019 TEST CHILD COUNT - Steps to conduct the initial submission:

• The EC Director must log into CECAS to complete the submission.
• From the left navigation menu, click Data Exchange to expand.
• Click the arrow in front of Periodic Count to expand.
• Click the Periodic Count Submissions link.
• From the Periodic Count Submissions screen, click the New Submission button.
• From the New Periodic Count Submission Step #1 screen, select the following:
• Select Count Period Type - EC Child Count.
• Select your Region.
• Select your LEA/Charter School.
• Select Count Period - April 2019 Test Child Count.
• Select Code Set Type - CECAS. (CECAS refers to daily users; Non-CECAS refers to Reporting LEAs).
• Select File Type - Student.
• Verify the correct email address.
• Enter number of Active Students (Refer to Periodic Count Export Student List Report).
• Click Next button to display the Periodic Request screen.
• Click Close button to display the Periodic Count Submissions screen.

**For Reporting LEAs, select Non-CECAS under Code Set Type. Select Student under File Type. Verify/update the correct email address. Document number in Active Students and Student Count. Click the Next button to display the New Periodic Count Submission Step #2 Screen will display. To upload the file, click Browse and search for the saved location. Once found, select the file and click Open. The file displays in the Input File field. Click the Submit button to display the Periodic Count Request screen. Click the Close button to display the Periodic Count Submissions screen.**

APRIL 2019 TEST CHILD COUNT - Steps to certify submission:

• Once your submission has the status, Validation Completed or No Data, you may now certify the Periodic Count Submission.
• From the Periodic Count Submission screen, select the following:
• Select Count Period Type - EC Child Count.
• Select Count Period - April 2019 Test Child Count. 
• Select your Region.
• Select your LEA.
• DO NOT select File type.
• Click the Search button.
• The Periodic Count Submission for the matching LEA/Charter School will display in the results list. You will then see the Certify button at the top right corner of the screen.
• Click the Certify button to display the Certification Confirmation Page. PRINT A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION PAGE TO KEEP FOR RECORDS.

Last week, our team provided an FAQ on the Facilitated Assessment of MTSS-School Level (FAM-S). This week we are providing guidelines for administration. NC DPI recommends an annual facilitated administration between April and June; however, the tool can be used at any time as an implementation self-report and guide for school leadership teams.   The MTSS and/or PBIS Coordinator and another member of the school team should facilitate the administration.  The School MTSS Team needs to plan for 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on tool familiarity and depth of conversation.  The purpose of collecting this information is implementation planning. Before administration, the school team members including the school administrators, should review the items (here) and reflect on current implementation. This preparation can reduce the amount of time for facilitated administration.     As you review the tool, you will notice that the first item assesses the level of the principal “active involvement and facilitation of MTSS”.  In an effort to support you as the leader of the school, we are sharing this Recorded Webinar and Powerpoint from a recent presentation for charter school staff in Cohort 5 about the FAM-S tool.   Please contact your IABS Consultant with additional questions about MTSS or the use of the FAM-S.

FY 2019 Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Grant Application

Dear Rural Educational Agency Contact,

The FY 2019 Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) grant application is now open in Grants.gov. To access the application package, click this link: https://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?dpp=1&oppId=313089. SRSA-eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) have until April 26, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time to submit an SRSA application.

Applicants must complete the following pre-application actions in order to complete and submit an FY 2019 SRSA application in Grants.gov:

1. Check Column K on the FY 2019 REAP Eligibility Spreadsheet for your LEA's SRSA eligibility status. Only those LEAs listed as eligible on this spreadsheet can receive an FY 2019 SRSA grant award.
2. Make sure you accurately record your LEA’s NCES ID number from Column A of the spreadsheet. You will need this number to successfully complete the SRSA application in Grants.gov.
3. Make sure your LEA’s DUNS number is active and registered in SAM.gov.
4. Register in Grants.gov as an Organization Applicant.
5. Create a Workspace profile in Grants.gov for your SRSA application.

 FY 2019 SRSA Application Walk-Through Webinars

The REAP Team will offer SRSA APPLICATION WALK-THROUGH WEBINARS again this year.

To register, click the hyperlink under any of the dates listed below for the webinar session you plan to attend:

Tuesday, March 21, 3-4:00 p.m. EST

https://educateevents1.webex.com/educateevents1/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb8782fc8f5f4ec69aa9bea95f39450af

Tuesday, April 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST

https://educateevents1.webex.com/educateevents1/onstage/g.php?MTID=e481002b22dafe6e3e19ebc51bfb18262

Please send any questions regarding this email to REAP@ed.gov.

Other News   The Annual Charter School Health Report will open May 1, 2019 and must be completed no later than June 1, 2019.  A preparation worksheet is provided with the reporting criteria.  All schools are encouraged to download the worksheet and mark the appropriate responses before beginning the online report survey. You may  Click Here  to access the worksheet.  Once you have prepared your responses, save the document to your local computer. This worksheet cannot be accepted as your report requirements. You will use it as a tool to enter your information into the online survey system once the report opens.      North Carolina’s charter schools are required to comply with the Care of Students with Diabetes and with the School Supply of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors laws. Annually, charter schools report on compliance with each law, providing information that identifies staff educational and support needs related to compliance and student safety.    The Charter School Health Report is designed to assist schools in addressing the healthcare needs of students.  Responses will be used to inform future training topics and to report on compliance with required legislation and policies such as Care of Students with Diabetes (§ 115C-375.3.) and School Supply of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (§ 115C-375.2A ).  The summary will open May 1, 2019 and be completed no later than June 1, 2019.     Please contact Ms. Annette Richardson at annette.richardson@dhhs.nc.gov with questions or concerns.    Annette Darden Richardson, MSN, RN, NCSN Charter School Health Nurse Consultant Division of Public Health - Children and Youth Branch NC Department of Health and Human Services   Office: 252-339-3009

NCHEP 2019 Learning Institute Reminder

NCHEP 2019 Learning Institute

April 2-3, 2019        8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (daily)

Hilton Charlotte University Place

8629 JM Keynes Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 (704) 547-7444

Registration for the Learning Institute is required (by March 26th).

Go to the registration page. The special hotel rate for NCHEP has been extended until March 13th. Reserve your room before March 13th to receive the special rate. 

The North Carolina Homeless Education Program's Annual Learning Institute is intended for Homeless Liaisons, Migrant Education Consultants, and other Educators in NC districts and schools, including charter, lab, ISD, and virtual schools, who work directly with children and youth experiencing homelessness. Sessions are designed for participants to learn about the McKinney-Vento Act and ensure compliance in school districts, including charter, lab, ISD, and virtual schools. The Learning Institute provides opportunities for professionals to acquire strategies and best practices in identifying, enrolling, and serving children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. This is a free professional learning event for NC Educators in districts and schools, including charter, lab, ISD, and virtual schools, who serve children and youth experiencing homelessness.

For more information, visit the NCHEP Learning Institute web page.

Job  Vacancies

Casa Esperanza Montessori

Head of School

Casa Esperanza Montessori is a Charter School grades K-8; and a private preschool located in Raleigh, NC.  We offer a stimulating, enriching curriculum emphasizing academic core subjects, independence and organizational skills. At Casa, students develop a world view that is both practical and thoroughly inspirational. Because of our Montessori philosophy our students are creative, independent learners and self-directed problem solvers. With our multicultural options, families may choose a Spanish immersion speaking curriculum, or a significantly useful Spanish enrichment curriculum

Casa Page Link: http://www.cemcs.org/careers/

or

State Direct Link: https://nc.teachermatch.org/applyteacherjob.do?jobId=446721

The Learning Center

Head of School- in training

Open Position

2019-20 school year

The Learning Center Charter School, located in the mountains of western North Carolina in Murphy, seeks a Head of School- in training who is interested in becoming the Head of School.   The HOS-in training will have the opportunity to work alongside the current Director to advance the school’s vision as a national benchmark in educational excellence through an integrated E-STEAM open approach to learning.  To apply send a letter of intent and curriculum vitae by  April 1 to employment@naturallygrownkids.org.   

The full job description is available on the school’s website, www.naturallygrownkids.org, then scroll down to News and Newsworthy.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – EDDIE is the authoritative source for NC public school numbers and demographic information, is used by multiple NCDPI technology systems including: Accountability, PowerSchool, NC School Report Cards, and is used to meet federal reporting requirements. LEAs and charter schools are responsible for ensuring their data in EDDIE are complete, accurate, and current. EDDIE is located at: http://apps.schools.nc.gov/eddie