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Charter School Association of Nevada
Legislative Outlook 2017
Chartering better education for Nevada
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Let us know if your school is in the news!
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Statement of Purpose:
The Charter School Association of Nevada is established to support and expand the number of high-quality public charter schools available to all families in Nevada, especially those who do not have access to high quality public schools.
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What is a Public Charter School?
- Public charter schools are not-for-profit public schools that operate independently of a school district, with their own school-based board of trustees.
- Public charter school teachers have a say in the curriculum they teach in order to meet students' needs.
- Public charter schools are funded by local, state and federal tax dollars based on student enrollment.
- Public charter schools are open to all children, do not have special entrance requirements, and do not charge tuition.
- Public charter schools are not religious and cannot discriminate against students on any basis.
- Public charter schools are required to meet rigorous federal and state academic, financial and managerial standards.
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Value of Nevada's Charter Schools:
- Provide choice to Nevada families and communities.
- Help alleviate overcrowding in some larger district classrooms.
- More flexibility on curriculum, budget and staffing.
- Greater ability to make quick & effective changes to meet a student's need.
- Enhanced Accountability with review and renewal of charter every five years.
- Engaged teachers empowered to make important decisions benefiting students.
- Parents encouraged by the school to work as a team with teachers.
- Charter school teachers are licensed and highly qualified in core academic subjects.
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What Does CSAN Do for Member Charter Schools in Nevada?
- Deliver meaningful technical assistance to member charter schools
- Coordinate delivery of charter-specific professional development for members.
- Be an "ear" and "voice" in advocating for charter school issues (like strengthening the current inequitable funding model) before the Nevada Legislature.
- Serve as a "communications & networking link" for NV charter schools by publishing a weekly CSAN e-weekly newsletter, policy and legislative briefs for members, and regular school visits by CSAN executive director.
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2017 Legislative Issues in Nevada
- A.B. 49--Filed by the Charter School Authority--This seeks to clarify and modernize certain laws pertaining to charters schools in Nevada. The bill is generally supported by CSAN, but there remains some questions and concerns that need further clarification.
- A.B. 78--Filed by the Education Committee (on behalf of the Clark County School District) --This bill gives school districts additional oversight over the establishment of charter schools in Nevada. As charter schools are generally seeking autonomy and are mostly governed by the Charter School Authority--CSAN is opposed to this bill.
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Alpine Academy College Preparatory High School, Sparks, Nevada
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Shelby Petersen talked at school choice rally. Photo by Tim Dunn/Special to the Nevada Independent.
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CSAN Exectiuve Director Tours Alpine Academy. Meets with students and teachers
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Alpine Academy is a small college prep public charter high school in Sparks. Principal Jill Ross is proud of her school's 100% graduation rate and says small class sizes and the fact that "teenagers [actually] strive on structure," has been a key to Alpine's success.
Alpine Academy offers; TMCC courses onsite, individualized instruction, and a character-education curriculum from KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program).
Alpine Academy's website is:
www.alpineacademy.net
phone: (775) 356-1166.
For the full story from the Nevada Independent click here
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Mariposa Dual Language Academy Public Charter School, Reno, Nevada
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Mariposa Principal Dr. Chris Edwards and CSAN Executive Director Pat Hickey
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Mariposa Academy is the first "dual language" program instituted in Nevada. Mariposa's emphasis on developing both English and Spanish literacy lets students learn a second language without compromising their first language.
Mariposa Academy offers classroom composition for grades K-5 that offers a personal environment with an integrated curriculum designed and delivered primarily in English. Principal Dr. Chris McBride is a veteran of the Nevada National Guard.
Mariposa Academy's website is:
www.mariposaacademy.net
phone: (775) 826-4040
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Job Opening: Nevada State High School
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Nevada State High School is a state sponsored public charter school serving 11th and 12th grade students. The school seeks two Directors of Site Administration with one serving the Sunrise Campus in Las Vegas and the other serving the Meadowwood Campus in Reno.
Nevada State High School is an early college public charter school serving motivated studentsin the 11th and 12th grades. The Director of Site Administration at each campus directs, executes plans, develops, and supervises curriculum for the high school in accordance with policies, practices, and procedures prescribed by law and Nevada State High School. This is a demanding site leadership position with freedom and flexibility to make progress with employees and increase student achievement. The position requires a high level of responsibility with evaluating and coordinating measurable school and student outcomes in alignment with the schools strategic framework. This position requires leadership for preparing every student to be college ready, building independent resourceful learners, and developing creative ways to maintain strong relationships with students that are on-site less than five hours per week.
One position is open at each of the following campuses:
Sunrise Campus: 300 N. 13th Street, Las Vegas, NV (downtown Las Vegas)
Meadowwood Campus: TBD, Reno, NV
See the full Job Description at: Job Description
About Nevada State High School
In the summer of 2003, the founding members of Nevada State High School wanted to provide motivated high school students with a choice in their education. This choice would give students the opportunity to attend real college classes with the support of the school, which would help them transition from high school to the college environment. Students take college courses at universities and colleges in Nevada which count for both high school and college credit. The best part about it - it's free. NSHS pays for all fees, tuition, and textbooks. At NSHS, students not only attend college courses, but learn how to excel at school and their careers. The NSHS high school graduation rate is 99% with each graduate averaging over 12 semester hours of college credit.
After ten years of helping over 1,000 graduates attend and succeed in college, five Exemplary AYP designations awarded by the State of Nevada, 2013 State rating as a five-star school, and acknowledgement by the US News & World Report as a Bronze level recipient for America's Best High Schools, 2016 and a Silver recognition for Most Connected Classrooms 2011, we are accomplishing our vision to lead the State of Nevada in transitioning students to college.
Learn more about the school at NV High School Website .
- Has obtained or is eligible for a Nevada High School Teacher License with administrative endorsement; and
- Has demonstrated leadership ability with a preferred administrative experience in education; and
- Has knowledge of high school and college curricula; and
- Has knowledge of child development, learning theories, and effective teaching techniques; and
- Has good interpersonal communication skills; and
- Has proficiency in desktop computer applications with MS Office; and
- Has a willingness and capability to work beyond the normal workday.
Anticipated Search Calendar
March 1 Close Applications for initial reviews
March 6 Begin technical skills reviews
March 13 Begin initial interviews
New and experienced persons meeting the minimum qualifications are invited to complete the process by e-mailing (no hard copies please) the following application materials:
4) updated contact information for two references (mandatory one professional), and
5) copy of college transcripts, and
6) any educator license with endorsement information
Submit application materials by e-mail to (no print copies please):
E-mail to: hr@nevadastatehighschool.mojohelpdesk.com
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Review Journal – January 16th, 2017
Legacy Traditional Schools was set to break ground on its first Nevada campus in North Las Vegas. L
egacy school leaders, North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee, city officials and residents were set to attend a ceremony Jan. 25 at the site of the school at La Madre Way and Valley Drive. The City Council approved plans for the school in October.
KUNR - January 27th, 2017
Jumping, clapping and waving bright yellow scarves on the steps of the amphitheater at the State Capitol in Carson City, hundreds of children danced to the music of Justin Timberlake as part of a rally in support of Nation School Choice Week. Wednesday's rally was one of thousands nationwide. Held every January, it promotes the expansion of more educational options for children, whether it's charter schools, vouchers or home schooling.
The Washington Post - January 30th, 2017
Thousands of D.C. children who live near public elementary charter schools could soon qualify for a new admission preference to help them enroll in those schools under a plan Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced Monday.
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Opinion/Commentary Articles
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Please Note: The following is a sampling of opinion articles about charter schools that appeared in the media. The opinions in these articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Charter School Association of Nevada (CSAN).
The New York Times - February 1st, 2017
An Op-Ed by Nevada Independent writer Orrin J. H. Johnson examines the actions of the Reno City on January 11th. The funding was in place, the engineering was done, and the need for more public elementary and middle schools in our area is beyond dispute. All that was needed was site plan approval from the City Council, and we’d have an arts- and STEM-focused public school.
The Detroit News - January 27th, 2017
For nearly a quarter century, Michigan’s authorizer community has worked to foster choice and accountability for hundreds of thousands of students and families statewide. Our work has not only leveraged positive change in the lives and futures of these individuals; it’s also made a profound difference in K–12 policy ad practice.
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Education Blogs, Forums and Resources
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Below are some other great education reform news, blog and discussion sites that may be of interest:
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The following is a list of events put on by Schools and organizations throughout the state:
Date:
Thursday, March 2nd
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Eastern
Description:
This course, presented by a nationally recognized education attorney, will provide a comprehensive overview of the laws applicable to charter schools, including general education students, special education students, and discipline. The course is for charter school administrators and governing board members, school attorneys, parent attorneys, and attorneys in other practice areas who have an interest in school law and school choice. In this seminar, our experienced faculty will walk you through the laws that govern charter schools. Learn how to handle with issues, matters and cases involving charter schools.
Topics:
- School Choice, Charter Schools and Constitutionality
- Sources of Charter School Law
- Legislative and Case Law Updates
- Complying with Federal Laws
- Special Education and Charter Schools
- Discipline of Special Needs Students
- Avoiding Exclusionary Practices
- Navigating the Application, Approval and Renewal Process
- Accountability Standards
- Funding Sources
Registration:
Click here to register
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