Washington Administrative Code Title 108 - Charter School Commission
The Washington Administrative Code, Title 108, is dedicated to the Charter School Commission. This title outlines the rules and procedures by which the Washington State Charter School Commission authorizes, oversees, and holds accountable public charter schools in Washington state.
The Commission's mission is to authorize high-quality charter public schools, particularly those designed to expand opportunities for students who have been underserved, and to ensure high standards of accountability and oversight.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters within Title 108:
Chapter 108-10 - Introduction: This chapter provides an overview and introduction to the Commission's role and purpose. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed regulations.
Chapter 108-20 - Application: This chapter outlines the comprehensive process for organizations seeking to establish a new public charter school. It details:
Application Requirements: What information and documentation applicants must submit, covering academic programs, operational plans, financial viability, governance structures, and community engagement.
Review Process: How the Commission evaluates applications, often involving multiple stages of review, interviews, and due diligence.
Criteria for Authorization: The standards and benchmarks the Commission uses to decide whether to authorize a new charter school. Preference is often given to applications designed to serve at-risk students.
Chapter 108-30 - Performance framework: This chapter is crucial for accountability. It establishes the performance framework used by the Commission to evaluate the ongoing performance of the charter schools it authorizes. This framework typically includes:
Academic Performance Goals: Metrics related to student achievement, growth, and other educational outcomes.
Financial Performance Standards: Indicators of the school's financial health and sustainability.
Operational Compliance Standards: Measures of the school's adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and its charter contract.
The framework guides the Commission's oversight activities and decisions regarding renewal or nonrenewal.
Chapter 108-40 - Charter school oversight and corrective action policy, renewal and nonrenewal policy, revocation policy, and termination protocol: This is a comprehensive chapter outlining the lifecycle of a charter school contract under the Commission's authorization. It covers:
Oversight: How the Commission continually monitors authorized charter schools, including site visits, data collection, and regular performance reviews.
Corrective Action: Procedures for addressing identified deficiencies in a charter school's performance or compliance, including the development and monitoring of corrective action plans.
Renewal: The process by which a charter school applies for renewal of its charter contract (typically a five-year term), including performance reviews and decision-making criteria.
Nonrenewal: The procedures and grounds for the Commission to decide not to renew a charter school's contract.
Revocation: The process and grounds for the Commission to revoke a charter school's contract before its term expires (e.g., for severe and persistent violations or failure to meet performance expectations).
Termination Protocol: Detailed steps and responsibilities for both the Commission and the charter school in the event of a school's closure, whether voluntary or involuntary, to ensure an orderly transition for students and staff.
Chapter 108-50 - Public records: This chapter establishes the rules for how the Commission handles requests for public records, ensuring transparency and compliance with Washington's Public Records Act.
Chapter 108-60 - Complaints Against Charter Schools: This chapter outlines the process for individuals to submit complaints against charter schools authorized by the Commission and how those complaints will be investigated and addressed.
Overall Role of the Washington State Charter School Commission:
The Washington State Charter School Commission serves as a statewide authorizer for public charter schools. Its core responsibilities include:
Authorizing High-Quality Schools: Rigorously reviewing applications and granting charters only to those schools that demonstrate strong potential for academic success, sound operations, and financial viability, with a particular focus on serving at-risk students.
Providing Effective Oversight: Continuously monitoring the performance and compliance of its authorized schools against the terms of their charter contracts and the established performance framework.
Ensuring Accountability: Making data-driven decisions regarding charter renewals, non-renewals, or revocations to ensure that schools are meeting their commitments to students and the public.
Promoting Innovation and Equity: Supporting charter schools that offer innovative educational models and work to close opportunity gaps for underserved student populations.
Title 108 of the Washington Administrative Code provides the detailed legal and procedural framework for the Commission to carry out these vital functions in the state's public education system.
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