Antelope Valley Charter Academy

Charter School Petition Submitted to the

Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District Board of Education

Request for Five-Year Term

July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2017

CONTENTS

 
SUMMARY

BACKGROUND

STUDENT POPULATIONS

DECLARATIONS

SIXTEEN REQUIRED CHARTER ELEMENTS (A-P)

• Element One (A): EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
• Element Two (B): MEASURABLE PUPIL OUTCOMES
• Element Three (C): METHOD OF MEASURING PUPIL PROGRESS
• Element Four (D): GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
• Element Five (E): EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
• Element Six (F): HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
• Element Seven (G): ACHIEVING RACIAL AND ETHNIC BALANCE
• Element Eight (H): ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
• Element Nine (I): ANNUAL AUDITS
• Element Ten (J): STUDENT SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION 
• Element Eleven (K): STRS, PERS and OTHER RETIREMENT COVERAGE
• Element Twelve (L): ATTENDANCE ALTERNATIVES
• Element Thirteen (M): EMPLOYEE RETURN RIGHTS
• Element Fourteen (N): DISPUTE RESOLUTION
• Element Fifteen (O): EMPLOYER STATUS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
• Element Sixteen (P): CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A:  2012-2013 Certificated School Calendar

Attachment B:  Signatures

Attachment C:  Budget

SUMMARY

The Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District (also referred to herein as “AVJUHSD” or “District”) has engaged in improvement efforts centered on successes based on the themes of rigorous expectations for all students, support of struggling students, and an emphasis on the teaching / learning process through collaboration. This has seen continuous growth in the AVJUHSD as a whole as well as for all significant subgroups. This was accomplished by building upon school strengths and engaging school communities in effective use of student data to guide instructional decisions. To continue this growth the AVJUHSD is proposing to build upon these core beliefs and delivering this standards-based curriculum in ways that supports all students to achieve mastery of content standards and prepare them for post-secondary options in the 21st century.

This AVJUHSD option will continue to offer the rigorous, standards-based curriculum to all students with appropriate support structures for both students and teachers. This illustrates true “alternative learning” where students can learn in different and current environments while receiving the same quality education. It is built upon the theme of “Common End Diverse Means.” Simply stated, all students achieve intended standards but have options of different instructional settings in order to achieve these standards.

BACKGROUND

 The District has an obligation to meet the needs of all students by preparing them to achieve and be competitive in a global market. This requires schools and districts to maintain programs that support what and how students need to learn in the 21st Century. Students need the coursework, support and guidance to achieve success beyond high school.

This petition is submitted to the AVJUHSD Board of Education for the establishment of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy (also referred to herein as “Charter School”) to serve as another voluntary public educational choice for parents with students in grades 7-12  living with the District’s service delivery area and beyond. Given that there continues to be an interest in the educational program flexibility offered by charter schools in the Antelope Valley, the District sees educational value in providing an alternative educational product to the students and families it serves.

Primarily to support the students of the Antelope Valley, the District must expand offerings centered on the themes that have created success for students for the past 100 years. The District has the personnel, expertise, resources and experience to continue to support student achievement in the 21^st Century. However, the District must expand its structure, capacity, and support, to meet the needs of all District students in a rapidly changing world.

Term of Charter

The term of this charter shall begin on July 1, 2012 and end on June 30, 2017.

Amendment of the Charter.

When considering changes to the proposed Charter the District will determine if the proposal constitutes a material change.  Material revisions to the Charter require approval from the District’s Board of Trustees pursuant to the standards, criteria, and timelines in Education Code Section 47605; provided however that the Charter School shall not be required to obtain petition signatures prior to making material amendments to the Charter petition.

AFFIRMATIONS

Antelope Valley Charter Academy shall:

•           Be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices and all other operations.

•           Not charge tuition.

•           Not discriminate against any student on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code.

•           Admit all pupils who wish to attend the school. However,

•           Determine admission by a public random drawing, if the number of pupils who wish to attend the school exceeds the school capacity, and preference shall be extended to pupils who currently attend the Charter School and pupils who reside in the District.

•           If a pupil subject to compulsory full-time education pursuant to Education Code 48200 is expelled or leaves the Charter School without graduation or completing the school year for any reason, the Charter School shall notify the superintendent of the school district of the pupil’s last known address within 30 days, and shall, upon request, provide that school district with a copy of the cumulative record of the pupil, including a transcript of grades or report card, and health information.

SIXTEEN REQUIRED CHARTER ELEMENTS (A-P)

Element One (A): EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

A description of the educational program of the school, designed, among other things, to describe what the school intends to accomplish, to identify those whom the school is attempting to educate, what it means to be an “educated person” in the 21^st century and how learning best occurs.  The goals identified in that program shall include the objective of enabling students to become self-motivated, competent and lifelong learners.”  Education Code Section 47605 (b)(5)(A).

A.        Proposed Educational Program.

Antelope Valley Charter Academy is an academic instructional program within the Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District that is structured as a dependent District-operated charter school for grades 7-12. The Charter School will provide instruction to students within two distinct academies that build upon District successes as well as the needs of students in the Antelope Valley.  Charter School instructors will be highly qualified as defined by current NCLB legislation. 

Antelope Valley Charter SOAR Prep Academy

SOAR Prep Academy course requirements will meet all California Common Core State Standards. At a minimum, the SOAR Prep Academy will meet the same number of minutes required by law. Students will be enrolled in six courses per semester. Curriculum and instruction will meet the needs of English Language Learners, GATE students, special education and all students considered at risk.

Teams will work together to create curriculum that is integrated across the disciplines and aligned to the California Common Core State Standards. Project based learning is the guiding pedagogy for the SOAR Prep Academy. Project based learning is based around real-world problems designed to provoke thought and capture student’s interest. The teacher plays the role of facilitator, using AVID strategies to frame questions, structure tasks and discussions, promote collaboration, and develop writing.

Project based learning approach is key to our success in serving a diverse population of students. Our students become active participant in their learning and are required to publicly demonstrate learning through presentations and portfolios.

AVID WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading) strategies will be used in all subjects in order to promote higher level thinking, collaboration and student success. These strategies reflect best practices for student achievement. Teachers will receive ongoing systematic professional development in AVID strategies.

Instructors at SOAR Prep Academy will be trained in the use of all District programs and will be knowledgeable regarding the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Additionally, instructors will be trained in AVID strategies and in the use of cross-curricular activities and evaluation.

Successful students who attend SOAR Prep Academy, and meet the AVID locally defined selection criteria, including AVID nationally defined selection criteria classifying them as “student in the middle,” may be granted automatic admission into SOAR High School.

Antelope Valley Charter Virtual Academy

Students enrolled with Antelope Valley Charter Virtual Academy will meet the rigor of the California State Standards and Common Core State Standards. Online digital curriculum will provide teachers with standards-based instructional tools to deliver individualized, student-centered direct instruction with integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment. Online digital curriculum will create active learning experiences that keep students attentive and engaged as they read, watch, listen, inquire, write, discuss, and manipulate the course work. Students will have the opportunity to show understanding through multiple, innovative activities. Students will access the curriculum using the complete course of study through APEX Learning as well as faculty designed and Board approved online curriculum. Students may enroll as a part time (blended) or full time virtual student.

Highly qualified instructors will be selected to teach in this virtual environment. They will receive continuous professional development in best practices in online course instruction and be certified as online educators. Rigorous coursework will include a-g approved courses in English Language Arts, History, Math, Science, Art and Technology, Physical Education, Foreign Language, and other Electives. AP coursework as well as intervention courses are also available depending on the needs of the individual students.

Instructors in the Virtual Academy will be qualified (through specific training and certification) in the best practices of online instruction. The instructor’s role in an online environment includes the following duties: answering content questions; evaluation and assessment of student work; and establishing and maintaining individual relationships with students and parents. Instructors will also make available to students some form of a pacing chart to assist students with earning credits on an appropriate timeline.

Instructors will hold virtual office hours and may provide synchronous instruction as part of each online class. Instructors will be available online to answer students’ questions. Additionally, instructors, support staff and qualified tutors will staff resource centers where students can come for face-to-face help, testing and other required activities. For example, science teachers may be required to run labs at designated times and locations to fulfill the lab requirements for biology or chemistry.

B.        Students the Charter School Proposes to Serve.

Antelope Valley Charter Academy will offer options to students and families choosing a highly accountable, strongly supportive educational program.  The Charter School is dedicated to serving all seventh to twelfth grade students who desire a rigorous educational option that meets student needs through individualized instruction, intervention, enrichment, and positive school climate.   The Charter School will be a traditional school using the District’s calendar for the 2012-2013 school year (attached).  The Charter School will potentially be a multi-track year round school beginning in the 2013-2014 school year.  The Charter School is nonsectarian in its programs, admissions policies, employment practices, and all other operations and shall not discriminate against any student on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ability, disability, sexual orientation, place of residence or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Penal Code section 422.  It is anticipated that the Charter School will enroll 350 students in grades seven through twelve for its first year of operation and increase enrollment by two to three percent each year of its term.

The anticipated student population of Antelope Valley Charter Academy will reflect the demographics of the AVJUHSD at large, specifically:

54% Hispanic/Latino
21% White/Non-Hispanic
19% African-American/Black
 

Additionally, efforts will be made to serve students whose families currently qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

C.        Mission.

The mission of the Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District is to provide a safe and secure learning environment that promotes a rigorous curriculum and enables our students to develop the necessary academic, technical, and work-related skills of the 21^st century. Every student who graduates will be prepared to pursue college and any career to which he/she aspires.

AVJUHSD prides itself in providing a safe and secure environment where a diverse student population can develop the skills necessary to perform effectively in a technological, information-based society. With a focus on school-to-careers, the District strives to determine what skills are necessary for students to master to be effective as adults. To this end, the District aggressively pursues continuous improvement in the structure of curriculum to reflect not only high academic standards but also relevancy to real-world application. The District believes that the best school-to-career preparation a student can receive is a rigorous and relevant academic program. To support curriculum improvements, an extensive staff-development program has been implemented to provide training for staff members in the use of technology in the classroom as well as innovative classroom teaching strategies.

Within the educational practices and developed district-wide Professional Learning Communities, the District has implemented three themes with the goal of continuous improvement. The three themes are:

• A rigorous and common curriculum for all students
• Support structures for all students
• Emphasis on the teaching / learning process through collaboration and use of data

With this, the AVJUHSD governing board’s priorities are student instruction, safe and supportive schools, communication among all stake holders, and facilities.

The Charter School consists of the expansion of core District beliefs and initiatives that are proven practices based on student achievement data coupled with “best practices” in current educational research. This includes building upon District Success Strategies:

      Ÿ    Good teaching

• Fidelity
• Instructional support
• Professional development
• Student sponsorship / connections

The Charter School consists of a continued emphasis on the District mission, vision, goals, and priorities to meet the needs of all students. This will be accomplished by expanding the District’s standards-based program to all students by using alternative instructional methods including blended instruction (diverse instructional settings). The goals for all students are similar but pathways will differ.

D.        Proposed Curriculum and Instruction Design.

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy’s graduation requirements will meet or exceed AVJUHSD and California’s graduation requirements, as well as the A-G requirements of admission into the University of California and California State University.

All A-G courses will be transferable to colleges/universities or other public schools and parent notification regarding transferability for all courses offered will be included in enrollment materials, student recruitment materials, and on published course offerings.

Accreditation

All seventh grade students take:

• Grade equivalent English/Language Arts
• Algebra 1 or Grade equivalent Mathematics
• Life Science
• World History
• AVID Elective
• Physical Education

All eighth grade students take:

• Grade equivalent English/Language Arts
• Algebra 1 or Grade equivalent Mathematics
• Physical Science
• U.S. History
• AVID Elective
• Physical Education

All ninth grade students take:

• English/Language Arts 9
• Mathematics (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, or Geometry)
• Science (Biology or Life Science)
• Healthful Living
• Physical Education
• AVID Elective/Foreign Language

All tenth grade students take the following courses:

• English/Language Arts 10
• Mathematics (Algebra 2, Geometry, or Trig/Pre-Calculus)
• Science (Chemistry or Biology)
• World History
• Physical Education
• AVID Elective/Foreign Language

All eleventh grade students take the following courses:

• English/Language Arts 11
• Mathematics (Algebra 2, Trig/Pre-Calculus, or Calculus AB)
• Science (Chemistry or Physics)
• U.S. History
• 2 Electives

All twelfth grade students take the following:

• English/Language Arts 12
• Civics and Economics
• 2 Electives
• 4^th Year Mathematics and Science are recommended

All students will have access to subject area Advance Placement courses and enrollment is encouraged.
 

E.        Meeting the Needs of All Students.

            1.         Academically High Achieving Students:

Students who are academically high achieving will be identified by members of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy staff through progress and attendance reports, placement tests and standardized tests results. Highly successful students are able to move quickly through the curriculum while still under the supervision of a highly qualified, certified and credentialed instructors. These courses include challenging activities for honor students, which allow the student to complete more in-depth study or to move more quickly through the curriculum. Students will also be able to enroll in advanced courses, such as AP and dual credit courses. Students will be able to contact their teachers during their office hours; provisions will be made for teacher to provide feedback to students in an online forum.

2.         Academically Low Achieving Students:

The educational needs of academically low achieving students will be met through differentiated instruction,  curriculum modifications, and access to web-based programs.  Students who are in need of intervention in order to boost their academic success are identified and provided with appropriate support structure that may include tutoring, direct instruction, support courses and programs, after no response to attempted interventions has resulted, shall make a referral to the Student Study Team (SST).  As part of the referral to the SST the teacher shall include educational data on the student including standardized test scores, instructional software assessments, teacher observations and assessments, curriculum based assessments, academic grades, ASP eligibility testing scores, and other school-approved screening criteria.

Math Support: Students needing help with basic skills will have access to math support computer programs used by the district including FASTTMATH and Fraction Nation. If possible, Educosoft (an online math program currently used at AVC, in SMAP, and in other math classes in the AVJUHSD) will be made available to students. Students will also have access to the Khan Academy videos.

Resource Center support will be available to parents and students enrolled in the Antelope Valley Charter Academy virtual program. Resource centers will be staffed by highly qualified teachers, support staff and tutors. Students and parents will be able to contact instructors during the instructors’ office hours; provisions will be made for teacher to provide feedback to students in an online forum.

3.         English Language Learners:

Antelope Valley Charter Academy will meet all requirements of federal and state law relative to equal access to the curriculum for English language learners. The goal is to develop high quality instructional programs and services for English learners that allow them, within a reasonable amount of time, to achieve the same challenging grade level and graduation standards as native English-speaking students.

English Learners will be provided with English Language Development (ELD) in order to develop proficiency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible. The California English Language Development Test (CELDT) will be administered on an annual basis until the student meets the AVJUHSD reclassification criteria.

Academic instruction for English Learners will be designed and implemented to ensure that English Learners meet the district's content and performance standards for their respective grade level in a reasonable amount of time. English Learners will achieve high levels in the core academic subjects so that they can meet the same challenging state academic content and achievement standards all students are expected to meet. Student academic progress will be monitored and a plan to overcome any academic deficits will be immediately implemented.

Teachers who serve ELL students will be trained to use Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) techniques to meet the needs of English language learners. The instructional design model to be used by the Antelope Valley Charter Academy places a heavy emphasis on differentiating instruction to meet the needs of English Language Learners based on their academic and language readiness. Professional development will be developed to train teachers on a variety of instructional strategies to be used with all students and specifically with English Language Learners.

Students will be able to contact their EL teacher during the instructor’s office hours; provisions will be made for teacher to provide feedback to students in an online forum.

4.         Special Education Students:

 Charter School will function as a “public school of the District” for purposes of Education Code section 47646 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) during the term of this charter. 

The District shall determine how the special education and related services are to be provided.  Charter School agrees to comply with District policy and practice with respect to the provision of special education and related services.  Charter School will support the District’s implementation of special education and related services and will make facilities available to all programs in a manner consistent with the District’s need to provide services to all eligible students. 

District shall implement all aspects of uniform complaint procedure for special education.  District shall, whenever necessary, initiate and pursue due process hearings and claims as needed to ensure compliance with applicable laws.  If a parent or guardian pursues a due process claim, District shall, with the cooperation of Charter School, prepare its defense and/or pursue settlement.

 Charter School will comply with all applicable state and federal laws in serving students with disabilities, including but not limited to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the IDEA.

Charter School agrees to adhere to the policies, procedures and requirements of the applicable Local Plan for Special Education in which the District operates for special education purpose as a public school of the District.

5.         Section 504/ADA

District will be responsible for the Charter School’s compliance with Section 504 and the ADA and the Charter School shall comply with District policy and practice.  All facilities of the Charter School will be accessible for all students with disabilities in accordance with the ADA.

Confidentiality: The school shall assure that the confidentiality of personally identifiable data shall be protected at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction.

Element Two (B): MEASURABLE PUPIL OUTCOMES

“The measurable pupil outcomes identified for use by the charter school, ‘Pupil outcomes,’ for purposes of this part, means the extent to which all pupils of the school demonstrate that they have attained the skills, knowledge, and attitudes specified as goals in the school’s educational program.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(B).

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will demonstrate student improvement on state mandated assessments (all aspects of California’s STAR program and the California High School Exit Exam) that equal or surpass the results of other District schools serving similar student populations (e.g., ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds). The school certifies that its students will participate in all state mandated assessments at the minimum participation rate and higher. The school will aim to maintain minimum Academic Performance Index (API) growth rates in all similar student populations. In addition, the school will aim to demonstrate growth in all similar student populations under Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will also participate in district-wide quarterly benchmark assessments, in which student outcomes will be used to measure student proficiency of the California Standards Tests (CST), as well as a tool to drive classroom instruction.

 
Element Three (C): METHOD OF MEASURING PUPIL PROGRESS

“The method by which pupil progress in meeting pupil outcomes is to be measured.”  Education Code § 47605(b)(5)(C).

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will administer all assessments within the California STAR program, California High School Exit Exam, district-wide benchmark assessments, and classroom formative and summative assessments to determine student progress. An additional feature of measuring student progress will be the development of a career plan at both the junior high and high school programs.

 
Additional methods of measuring pupil progress will include all APEX curriculum implementation measurements, student grades based on content mastery, attendance rates, graduation rates, and parent satisfaction with the Antelope Valley Charter Academy programs through various survey instruments and processes

Element Four (D): GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

“The governance structure of the school, including, but not limited to, the process to be followed by the school to ensure parental involvement.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(D).

Charter School is a public charter school within the AVJUHSD.  The AVJUHSD Board of Trustees (“Board”) will be the governing body of the Charter School and holder of the charter. 

The ultimate authority for the governance of the Charter School remains with the Board. 

In order to increase local participation in decision making at the site level, the Charter School will form a School Site Council which will provide input regarding issues of importance to the School, including approving the Single Plan for Student Achievement. The makeup of the School Site Council of Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be designed to facilitate participation by the principal or other administration, classroom teachers, other school personnel, and parents of students attending the School or other community members. Classroom teachers must comprise a majority of persons sitting on the School Site Council. Equal numbers of parents or other community members will be selected by parents, and students.

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy’s School Site Council will develop bylaws which are aligned with the Charter School’s mission that supports the achievement of the Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs) and academic standards. The School Plan for Student Achievement will be developed by faculty and staff, as well as input from the School Site Council. The Single Plan for Student Achievement will be submitted annually to the AVJUHSD Board of Trustees.

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will have an advisory body consisting of charter school stakeholders (e.g. parents and employees) to be formed to advise the school district governing board on issues such as program implementation, budgets and facilities.

The AVJUSD will provide all appropriate support services in order to contribute the successful operation of the Charter School.  In general, direct support costs of personnel, financial, legal, purchasing, insurance, and facility services shall be budgeted for and paid by revenue generated by student average daily attendance as reported by the Charter School.

Element Five (E): EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS

“The qualifications to be met by individuals to be employed by the school.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(E).

All employees of Antelope Valley Charter Academy shall be employees of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. AVJUHSD will recruit professional effective, and qualified personnel to serve in administrative, instructional, instructional support, and non-instructional capacities.
 

Principal

The principal at Antelope Valley Charter Academy is the education leader of the School and the primary person responsible for the academic success of students. The principal will report to the Superintendent of the AVJUHSD or designee for the execution of assigned duties. He or she will be responsible for the supervision of all personnel, programs, and activities conducted by the Charter School and receive supervision pursuant to the evaluation procedures.

 
The principal at Antelope Valley Charter Academy must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education or related field and administrative or supervisory credential
• Three to five years of experience as a school site administrator preferred
• Experience in virtual learning preferred  
• Complete online certification and adhere to district-recognized standards for online teaching.
• Direct experience in managing an effective teams of employees
• Proficiency in communicating by email, instant messaging and other online tools.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use multiple Learning Management Systems

Personal Qualifications: Ability to meet state standards of physical and mental health, plus the following qualifications which are preferred by the District:

• Ability to establish good interpersonal relationships.
• Good grooming habits
• Good physical condition, coupled with emotional stability
• Ability to realistically deal with serious problems without becoming emotionally or personally involved
• Ability to evaluate advantages and disadvantages and disadvantages of any decision and have the integrity to recommend
• Ability to uphold personal standards and convictions

Instructor/Facilitator

AVJUHSD will employ highly qualified teachers to teach at the Charter School, both in terms of NCLB as well as formal training and experience.  Teaching staff will meet the requirements for employment as stipulated by the California Education Code section 47605(l). Primary teachers of core, college preparatory subjects (i.e. English language arts, math, science, history/social science, and special education) will hold a Commission on Teacher Credentialing certificate, permit, or other document equivalent to that which a teacher in a non-charter public school would be required to hold.

Successful instructors within the Antelope Valley Charter Academy possess the following qualifications and personality traits:

• Subject area Secondary Teaching certifications, NCLB/HQT compliant, and EL authorization
• Passion for learning
• Comfort with technology as a learning tool and technology-mandated communication
• Ability to work independently within a professional learning community
• Comfort working in an “open” classroom where details of communication are visible to parents, mentors, and administrators
• Deep personal motivation for exploring alternative routes of education
• Positive example of professionalism with teacher relations and instruction
• Have training or the desire to be trained in the principles, strategies, and methodologies of AVID
• Have a career focus to educate the whole student

General responsibilities include:

• Communicating with students and parents via email, phone and SMS (Texting)
• Grading and posting scores in the learning management system gradebook each week
• Conducting parent-teacher conferences
• Leading regularly-scheduled office hour/tutoring sessions each week
• Communication regularly with other members of the instructional team
• Participating in professional development and training
• Instructors should have a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Windows platform and Office Suite as well as Internet search skills, and comfort working with email, APEX and other online interface. (Learning Management Systems)
• Willingness to learn new technologies as a tool for classroom instruction
• Performing other duties as assigned
• Instructors report to the principal of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy

In addition, certification in a District approved Online Learning or enrollment in Certification Program is required for all instructors for the Antelope Valley Charter Virtual Academy program. Instructors are expected to become familiar at a detailed level with the expectations of an online instructor and adhere to district recognized standards for online teaching. In addition, Antelope Valley Charter Academy teachers will meet the following qualifications and requirements:

Instructors will:

• have knowledge of California curriculum frameworks, Common Core State Standards, and district curriculum standards in order to provide appropriate instruction.
• demonstrate caring, understanding and able to work effectively as an educational facilitator with students and parents.
• demonstrate experience in working as an effective team member.
• demonstrate a strong technology and virtual learning foundation.
• possess and demonstrated knowledge of alternative and/or authentic means of assessment.
• demonstrate leadership in current curriculum development in designated subject areas.
• demonstrate a student-centered philosophy towards instruction.
• demonstrate the use of technology in the classroom as a teaching tool.
• possess organizational and management skills and attention to detail.
• be trained or the desire to be trained in the principles, strategies, and methodologies of AVID.
• collaborate and participate in vertical teaming with colleagues.
• Demonstrate flexibility in schedule and a willingness to adapt to students work schedules

Instructors will:

• Monitor, supervise, manage and document student performance, program adherence, and attendance.
• Assist with Student Orientation to the program.
• Collaborate with the Guidance Office, Administration, parents, and student to assure the Master Agreement reflects the requirements of the student’s Graduation Check.
• Review student work support of the Master Agreement and Academic Plan, and provide appropriate documentation.

Among other criteria, instructors will be evaluated on:

• Use of research based instructional strategies
• Knowledge of subject matter
• Virtual Classroom management
• Professional preparation and scholarship
• Effort toward improvement
• Appropriate handling of student discipline and participation issues
• Interest in teaching pupils and keeping them engaged

Non Certificated Personnel

All non-instructional staff will possess experience and expertise appropriate for their position within the Charter School.  Classified employments will meet the same requirements as other classified employees of AVJUHSD.

Element Six (F):  HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES 
“The procedures that the school will follow to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff”  Education Code Section 47605(b)(5)(F).

Antelope Valley Charter Academy will have access to the services and support of the AVJUHSD.  The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will comply with the California Education Code and current standards and policies for health and safety as well as state building codes, federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access requirements, and other applicable fire, health, structural safety requirements. 

The Charter School will collaborate with the District with respect to its policies and procedures for natural disasters and emergencies, including fires and earthquakes.  Charter School staff will receive training on safety procedures and basic first aid in the same manner it is provided to the District’s other schools. 

The Charter School shall meet State and federal standards for dealing with blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials in the workplace.  Whenever exposed to blood or other bodily fluids through injury or accident, staff and students shall follow the latest medical protocol for disinfecting procedures.

The AVJUSD and Charter School shall adhere to existing State laws regarding fingerprinting and tuberculosis testing of employees.  All employees working at the Charter School will be required to furnish the charter school with a criminal record summary as described in Education Code section 44237 and proof of a medical examination for tuberculosis as described in Education Code section 49406.

All students of the Charter School will be required to provide proof of immunization as a condition of attendance to the same extent as would apply if the students attended a non-charter public school. 

The Charter School will provide for the screening of students' vision and hearing and the screening of students for scoliosis to the same extent as would be required if the students attended a non-charter public school.

The Charter School staff shall comply with the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (California Penal Code section 11164 et seq.

Insurance

AVJUHSD will maintain insurance coverage for the Charter School and employees in amounts equal to that which would be in place if the school’s facilities were occupied by another school of the District. 

Element Seven (G): ACHIEVING RACIAL AND ETHNIC BALANCE

“The means by which the school will achieve a racial and ethic balance among its pupils that is reflective of the general population residing within the territorial jurisdiction of the school district to which the charter petition is submitted.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(G).

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will implement a student outreach strategy that includes a scheduled enrollment process with timelines for a broad based recruitment procedure, the development of promotional and informational materials (including direct mailings and print advertising), and parent/community informational forums.

The Charter School will implement a student recruitment strategy that includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following elements or strategies to ensure achieve a racial and ethnic balance among the Charter School’s students that is reflective of the general population residing within the territorial jurisdiction of the AVJUHSD:  Recruitment events at all District schools to cover the entire District boundaries, use all District and local media to promote the charter school in both English and Spanish (i.e., radio, print, television, school and District websites, Teleparent, etc.)

Element Eight (H): ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

“Admission requirements, if applicable.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(H).

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, and all other operations, and will not charge tuition, and shall not discriminate against any student on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Penal Code section 422.55.

Admission to the Antelope Valley Charter Academy shall be open to any California resident who wishes to attend, provided the parent/guardian completes all enrollment application documents and meets the established deadlines.  The Student Services division of the AVJUHSD will establish the Enrollment timeline. Students wishing to participate in the Enrollment process will be notified though student bulletins, Teleparent, and other communications with students, parents, staff, and the community. The AVJUSD Superintendent’s Cabinet will establish total  Enrollment spaces available at the Antelope Valley Charter Academy. Student Services will notify students who were approved for enrollment at the Antelope Valley Charter Academy and notify any students that were placed on a waiting list.

Public Random Drawing/Lottery

Following the enrollment period during spring, applications will be counted to determine whether any grade level has received more applications than availability.  In the event that this happens, Charter School will hold a public random drawing to determine enrollment for the impacted grade levels.

The rules and procedures to be followed during the lottery process will be communicated to all interested parties at least ten (10) days prior to holding the lottery.  The lottery will take place at a date, time, and location that will help ensure all interested parties will be able to attend.  The lottery will be conducted with the following admission preferences being given in the following order:

1.         Returning/existing Charter School students will be exempt from the lottery

2.         Siblings of returning/existing Charter School students will be except from the lottery

3.         Students residing within the territorial jurisdiction of the AJUHSD will be given preference in the lottery by a weighted factor of 5:1.

After the lottery process has been completed, students will be placed on a waiting list by grade level in the order in which they are drawn.  The Charter School will contact the parents/guardians of students who have been promoted off the waiting list and advise them of the promotion as well as timelines under which the parents/guardians must respond to the Charter School in order to secure admission.  

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will comply with all laws establishing minimum and maximum age for public school attendance in charter schools.

Element Nine (I): ANNUAL AUDITS

“The manner in which annual, independent financial audits shall be conducted, which shall employ generally accepted accounting principles, and the manner in which audit exceptions and deficiencies shall be resolved to the satisfaction of the chartering authority.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(I).

The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be a dependent charter school of the AVJUHSD and therefore will be part of the annual audit of the District.  The annual Audit will be conducted by the District to insure the Charter lives up to its responsibility in its’ educational, fiduciary, and programmatic service to its students and their families. The District will assign an administrative representative to execute this activity each year.  The audit will be conducted in accordance with regulations governing charter school audits and Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) applicable to the Charter School.  Audit findings and exceptions will be addressed following the same process used by the District with its regular annual audit.

The Superintendent or designee will report periodically to the AVJUHSD Board of Trustees regarding Charter School’s progress toward meeting the goals specified in this Charter and on other matters of interest to the Board. 

Element Ten (J): STUDENT SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION 

“The procedures by which pupils can be suspended or expelled.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(J).

The Charter School shall comply with and implement AVJUHSD policy and procedures regarding student discipline including, but not limited to, suspensions and expulsions.  Student suspension and expulsions will comply with AVJUHSD Board Policy 5144.1, based on the California Education Code.  All Charter School students will be afforded due process as outlined in Education Code 48918.

Antelope Valley Charter Academy staff shall enforce disciplinary rules and procedures fairly and consistently among all students. This policy and its procedures will be distributed as part of the Annual Legal Notification Packet and will clearly describe discipline expectations and disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion. Discipline includes but is not limited to advising and counseling students, conferring with parents/guardians, warning letters, reduction of technology use, use of alternative educational environments, suspension and expulsion.

A student may be suspended or expelled for prohibited misconduct if the act is related to the activity or school attendance occurring at the Antelope Valley Charter Academy or at any other school or a school sponsored event at any time including but not limited to: a) while on any school property; b) while going to or coming from school; c) during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; d) during, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity; e) during virtual instruction regardless of the location. Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school and school-related activities unless otherwise agreed during the period of suspension or expulsion.

At the time of the suspension, an administrator or designee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person, whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be notified in writing of the suspension and the date of return following suspension. This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the student. In addition, the notice may also state the date and time when the student may return to school. If school officials wish to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice may request that the parent/guardian respond to such requests without delay.

A student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the District has a basis of knowledge of a suspected disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (“IDEIA”) or who is qualified for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is subject to the same grounds for suspension and expulsion and is accorded the same due process procedures applicable to regular education students except when federal and state law mandates additional or different procedures. The Antelope Valley Charter Academy will follow Section 504, the IDEIA, and all applicable federal and state laws including but not limited to the California Education Code, when imposing any form of discipline on a student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the school has basis of knowledge of a suspected disability or who is otherwise qualified for such services or protections in according due process to such students.

 The pupil shall have 30 calendar days to appeal the local board’s decision to expel to the county board of education.

Terms and conditions agreed to by both the student and his/her family and the Antelope Valley Charter Academy programs will be honored, respected and enforced.  High school students who commit an infraction in violation code of Education Code 48900 and 48915 will be considered for removal from the program and subject to enrollment in their home high school, continuation high school, or community day school.  Students in grades seven and eight may be considered for removal from the program and subject to enrollment into the district in which they live.

Element Eleven (K): STRS, PERS and OTHER RETIREMENT COVERAGE

“The manner in which staff members of the charter schools will be covered by the State Teachers Retirement System, the Public Employees Retirement System, or federal social security” Education Code section 47605 (b)(5)(K).

AVJUHSD employees working at the Charter School will accumulate service credit years in the same manner as all other members of STRS and PERS.  AVJUHSD will be responsible for administration of the retirement programs of all employees working at the Charter School.

Element Twelve (L): ATTENDANCE ALTERNATIVES

“The public school attendance alternatives for pupils residing within the school district who choose not to attend charter schools.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(L).

AVJUHSD shall not require any student to attend the Charter School.  Antelope Valley Charter Academy shall inform the parent/guardian of each student enrolled in the Charter School that a student has no right to admission in a particular school of any local education agency as a consequence of enrollment in the Charter School, except to the extent that such a right is extended by the local education agency.

Students who reside within the District who choose not to attend the Antelope Valley Charter Academy may attend another school within the District according to District policy or at another school district through the District’s inter-district policies. At any time, parents/guardians may choose to withdraw and enroll their student in that student’s school of attendance.

Transportation to the Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian unless district provided transportation for students with disabilities applies.

Element Thirteen (M):  EMPLOYEE RETURN RIGHTS

“A description of the rights of any employee of the school district upon leaving the employment of the school district to work in a charter school and of any rights of return to the school district after employment at a charter school.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(M).

Employees of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy will retain all transfer rights to other District schools as specified in the contract between the District and their representative organization. 

There will be no transfer rights into the Antelope Valley Charter Academy.  The selection of staff will reside ultimately with the site and District administration. 

Element Fourteen (N): DISPUTE RESOLUTION

“The procedures to be followed by the charter school and the entity granting the charter to resolve disputes relating to provisions of the charter.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(N).

Any issue regarding internal charter matters will be discussed with the Assistant Superintendent, Personnel Services.          

The resolution of disputes that arise at Charter School will be resolved by the same processes that are in place among other schools within the District.    

Element Fifteen (O): EMPLOYER STATUS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

“A declaration whether or not the charter school shall be deemed the exclusive public school employer of the employees of the charter school for the purposes of the Educational Employment Relations Act (Chapter 10.7 (commencing with 3540) of division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code).” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(O).

New hires will be employees of the District and retain all employment rights.

The AVJUHSD will be the exclusive public employer of all employees of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy for collective bargaining purposes. The District is the employer for the purposes of the Educational Employment Relations Act. The collective bargaining agreements with AVTA and CSEA and the District will be honored for staff at the Antelope Valley Charter Academy.  The exception will be Article 6 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between AVTA and the AVJUHSD regarding transfers to the charter school; which will not apply to Antelope Valley Charter Academy teachers as the Charter school is unique.  Teachers wishing to leave Antelope Valley Charter Academy may let District Human Resources Department know no later than February 1 of each year.  An attempt to reassign staff that wishes to leave will be made throughout the year, but in the case where there is no appropriate vacancy, staff must wait until the beginning of the next school year to request a transfer subject to the transfer requirements pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

In addition, staff will participate in site professional development.  In the virtual setting, staff will have flexible hours of instruction (including regularly scheduled office hours) as part of the regular six ½ hour workday.

Element Sixteen (P): CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE

“A description of the procedures to be used if the charter school closes.  The procedures shall ensure a final audit of the school to determine the disposition of all assets and liabilities of the charter school, including plans for disposing any net assets and for the maintenance and transfer of pupil records.” Education Code § 47605 (b)(5)(P).

Closure of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be documented by official action of the AVJUHSD Board of Trustees. The action will identify the reason(s) for closure, as well as identify persons responsible for closure-related activities. District personnel will ensure that the notification to the parents and students of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy of the closure provides information to assist parents and students in enrolling in their school of attendance or suitable alternative education programs within the AVJUHSD. This notice will be provided promptly following the Board’s decision to close the Antelope Valley Charter Academy.

District personnel will develop a list of pupils in each grade level and the classes they have completed at the Antelope Valley Charter Academy, as well as other high school graduation courses completed, as a means of creating an updated transcript record. District personnel will provide parents and students with copies of all appropriate student records and will assist students in transferring to their next school. All records of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy will be transferred to the AVJUSHD upon closure. All state assessments results, special education records, and personnel records will be transferred to and maintained with the AVJUSHD.

On closure of the Antelope Valley Charter Academy, all assets of the school, ADA apportionments, and other revenues generated by students attending, remain the sole property of the AVJUHSD and shall be distributed in accordance with board policies and procedures.   AVJUHSD shall use, but is not limited to, the amounts budgeted for Charter School’s reserves normally maintained for contingencies and emergencies to fund closure proceedings.

Attachment A

[Click for Link to Calendars ]

Attachment B

Attachment C