SCSC Newsletter

June 30, 2023

Georgia Charter Schools Improve Student Academic Growth

Results from the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) As A Matter of Fact, National Charter School Study III showcase significant achievements by charter schools across the United States. The national study assesses the academic growth of students attending charter schools compared to their traditional school peers and offers insights for future K-12 public education options.

Although data from Georgia were not included in the recent study, an analysis conducted by the State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC) of Georgia over the same five-year period suggests similar encouraging results. Specifically, SCSC findings indicate that over half of state-authorized charter schools outperform traditional school comparisons on academic growth measures. This statistic holds for state charter schools serving majority-minority populations. The SCSC analysis also reveals a finding unique to Georgia – student academic growth in virtual charter schools improved comparatively, while nationally, virtual school performance lagged. The outcomes indicate that Georgia state charter schools are not just an alternative to traditional public schools but also a highly effective one.

State Charter Schools Commission Updates & Announcements

Board Meeting Updates

June 28, 2023

The SCSC board voted to accept the staff recommendation to amend the 2023 SCSC Meeting Calendar to add a July meeting date. In addition, the SCSC board approved the adoption of the FY2024 administrative withhold, the FY2024 operational budget and the return of the FY2023 administrative withhold funds.

The next board meeting will be held on July 26, 2023. Click below for the 2023 SCSC board meeting calendar.

Visit the SCSC Meeting Page

Training Opportunities

FY24 LEA Reporting Training

The goal of this training is to familiarize state charter school staff with MyGaDOE and its applications.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 9 AM

Registration Link TBD

Visit the SCSC Training page

Petitioner Updates

FY23 Replication & Expansion Petitions

Must be submitted by July 14, 2023.

Visit the SCSC Petitioner page

SCSC Bulletin Board

DEADLINE: JULY 10^th

State Charter Unified Enrollment System Feedback Survey

The SCSC is accepting feedback on the Proposed Unified Enrollment System via a feedback form sent directly to schools. Contact Communications Specialist Erica Acha-Morfaw with any questions. erica.achamorfaw@scsc.georgia.gov

School Communications Policy

The SCSC School Communications Policy, FAQ and web form can be found on the School Resources page of the SCSC website.

https://scsc.georgia.gov/resources-guidance

2023 Legislative Guidance

The SCSC Legal Division emailed the 2023 Legislative Guidance document to schools on May 26, 2023. If your school did not receive the guidance, or if you have questions, you may contact SCSC Associate General Counsel Tiffany Leach at tiffany.leach@scsc.georgia.gov.

Scintilla student performed at Carnegie Hall

Baxa Campbell, a student at Scintilla Charter Academy, was selected for the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performers Series (HPS) was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers internationally by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world-renowned venues.

Campbell performed as an alto on June 17th with the Middle School HPS Choir. HPS Organizers said, “Participation in the honors ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world.”

Campbell auditioned for the HPS and was accepted after a review by the honors selection board.

“Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording,” organizers said.

Campbell has studied music for eight years and is a South Georgia Drama KIDZ Theatre Guild member.

Professional Learning & Development Opportunity

Assessment Updates

June 2023 Assessment Updates

For more information regarding the latest GaDOE Assessment updates, click here.

2023 Georgia Curriculum Standards Update

GaDOE Curriculum & Instruction webpage

Special Education for School Administrators Academy

Registration Now Open

Teacher Workshop: The Future of America’s Past Educational Workshop

July 17-19

Incentives available for participants

Info & Registration

GaDOE 2023-2024 Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Conference

August 22-24, 2023

Info & Registration

TLSD Platform Beginning-of-Year Support Webinar

July 11, 2023, 10 AM

Info & Registration

US Department of Education

National Student Privacy & Data Security Webinar 3-Day Series

Day 1 - 8/16, 2 PM: FERPA 101 & FERPA 201 - Registration
Day 2 - 8/23, 2 PM: Data Security & Data Breach Incident Response -Registration
Day 3 - 8/30, 2 PM: Vetting Educational Technology & Transparency - Registration

Additional Resources

GaDoe Community

A private professional networking space to engage with other educators across the state.

Georgia Learns

GaDOE’s Professional Learning platform for Georgia school and district staff and education partners.

GaConnects

The one-stop-shop site for Georgia educators to provide quick access to GaDOE educational resources, GA Standards of Excellence, data dashboards, professional learning, and GaDOE applications.

Funding & Engagement Programs

GaDOE Competitive Grants

Periodically, funding is available for GaDOE to award to districts and schools in the form of competitive grants, solidifying this commitment to Georgia's students. In an effort to streamline communication and create a consistent application process, all competitive grant opportunities can now be accessed here.

GaDOE Grant Opportunities

School-Based Health Center Planning Grant, Round 2

Deadline: June 30, 5 PM

Application

Follow the SCSC for real-time news and updates.

The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The SCSC has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, nonrenew, or terminate state charter school contracts in accordance with Georgia law.

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