what is a charter school? oan independent public school that operates with freedom from many...
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What is a Charter School?What is a Charter School? o An independent public school that operates with
freedom from many regulations applying to traditional public schools.
o Charter schools tend to have more control over: personnel, curriculum, budget, discipline, and length of the school day.
o Designed & operated in an entrepreneurial spirit by a group of founders that can include parents, educators, and business/ community leaders.
What is a Charter School?What is a Charter School? o Charter schools are held to higher standards
than most publics, as they must not only meet NYS Board of Regents requirements, but those of its own performance contract (charter).
o If a charter school does not perform academically, its charter can be revoked
o Charter schools are free for students to attend, although, in New York State, they receive only about 70% the funds allocated to traditional public schools.
Dispelling Charter MythsDispelling Charter Myths o “Teachers are paid less at charter schools.”
o NO. Longer school days and years mean that CSAT’s teachers are paid more than their public school counterparts.
o “Charter teachers don’t have rights.”
o NO. By law, charter schools of a particular size must give teachers the choice to unionize or not. CSAT’s teachers have been unionized (NYSUT) since Day One.
About CSAT About CSAT o Our Mission Statement:
o CSAT is a professional learning community dedicated to providing educational excellence for all students with an emphasis on developing those skills necessary for success in the “world of work.”
o All students, whether theyattend college or not, have tobe prepared to succeed in the workplace.
o CSAT is free to attend & is not a vocational trade school.
About CSAT About CSAT o Largest of New York State’s 200 charter schools
(1,610 students).
o The only state charter school outside of NYC to offer a comprehensive K-12 education.
o Named a “School in Good Standing” by the NYS Ed. Dept. (its highest ranking) 8 years in a row.
o One of 226 “rapidly improving schools” throughout the state.
About CSAT About CSAT o CSAT’s campus consists of three distinct school
buildings:
o Elementary School (K-6): 950 Students.
o Middle School (7-8): 250 Students.
o High School (9-12): 410 Students.
o CSAT is a “school of choice,” meaning parents have chosen to send their child(ren) to the school.
About CSAT About CSAT o The student body represents 16 different school
districts throughout WNY.
o Nearly 90% from Buffalo Schools
o 7% from Kenmore-Tonawanda
o CSAT’s student body is diverse:
o 41% White
o 41% Black
o 16% Hispanic
CSAT is Different!CSAT is Different!o Longer school day (7.5 hours) & year (191 days).
o Dress code.
o Spanish instruction in all grades.
o Strict student behavior standards.
o Computers in every classroom.
o Growing music & athletic programs.
o Career preparation begins in kindergarten.
CSAT is Different!CSAT is Different!o ESL teachers for students as needed.
o Speech/Language Pathologists.
o Special Education teachers for every grade level.
o Occupational and Physical Therapists.
o School Counselors at all three buildings.
o A caring group of teachers & staff!
CSAT Teachers Are CSAT Teachers Are Different!Different!
Thrown by a futureCSAT teacher!
Our Teachers’ QualitiesOur Teachers’ Qualitieso We look for teachers who are:
o Skilled, Talented & Knowledgeable
o Professional
o Responsible
o Entrepreneurial
o Results-Driven
o Passionateo About teaching & making a difference
o Team Players
o Diverse Thinkers
o Role Models
o Leaders
We Want You to GrowWe Want You to Growo Teachers receive several professional
developments (PDs) throughout the year.
o Peer collaboration is strongly encouraged.
o Teachers have an opportunity to research / utilize the most current and effective pedagogical strategies and techniques.
We Want You to Succeed!We Want You to Succeed!o Teachers work as teams.
o Grade level/subject area teams collaborate to plan & create common assessments.
o K-6 teams have two commonplanning periods each day.
o Administration works closely with teams to ensure both student & professional growth.
What Do Staff Members What Do Staff Members Say?Say?
o “I love the opportunity to integrate technology into my classes.”
o “I like it here because our teachers are energetic, dedicated, supportive and student oriented.”
o “Administration is responsive and receptive to the needs of teachers and students.”
o “I feel needed and that my commitment and work is appreciated. And that’s what it’s all about!”
So, Are You aSo, Are You aCharter School Teacher?Charter School Teacher?
For more information:
www.csat-k12.org
Email: [email protected]