recommendation: approve baton rouge university preparatory … · 2019-05-30 · baton rouge...

Summary of Recommended BESE Action

The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School.

An approval authorizes Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2014 in East Baton Rouge Parish. Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.

Proposed Growth Plan BESE Authorized Schools Included in Growth Plan

If BESE authorizes this proposal, one Type 5 charter school serving grades K-5 may open in East Baton Rouge Parish in the fall of 2014, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District.

Applicant History

Experience Level New Existing

Schools None Previous BESE Applications No Previous District

Applications No

Applicant’s Proposal

Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School proposes to launch a no-excuses K-5 school in the fall of 2014, starting with Kindergarten and adding one additional grade each year. The school will provide students with a strong literacy/math foundation and extended instructional time. The school leader, Meghan Turner, is currently completing a Building Excellent Schools fellowship.

Department Recommendation Rationale

• Recommendation: Approve • Building Excellent Schools has demonstrated a strong track record of producing school leaders who launch academically

successful schools. In 2011-12, 100% of students in schools led by Building Excellent Schools fellows outperformed their state peers in math; 71% outperformed their state peers in English Language Arts.

• The proposed school’s growth plan, opening with 108 kindergarteners, is slow, permitting the leadership team with an opportunity to fully develop the myriad of best practices the proposed leader has acquired through the BES fellowship.

• The school will target a high-need projected 98% free/reduced-lunch and 15% special education student population within the East Baton Rouge Parish community.

Recommendation: Approve Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School, Inc.

Baton Rouge University Preparatory Elementary Charter School –FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by the Baton Rouge University Preparatory Elementary Charter School

Non-Profit Information

Non-Profit: Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School

Origin: Local Experience Level: New

School Information

School: Baton Rouge University Preparatory Charter School Home District: East Baton Rouge

Type: 5 Districts Served / Specific School: East Baton Rouge

Model: No Excuses Year Opening: 2014

Grade Configuration at Start: K Grade Configuration at Scale: K-5

Enrollment at Start: 108 Enrollment at Scale: 506

Additional Features of the Application

The applicant states that the proposed school will provide its students with a strong literacy and math foundation, extending instructional time in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school’s goals reflect high expectations for all students.

The proposed school will offer an extended day (7:30-3:50) and an extended year (184 days). In grades K-2, the school will provide two teachers in every classroom, offering a 9:1 student to teacher ratio during all literacy instruction and 14:1 in the math block.

The proposed school leader will complete a fellowship with Building Excellent Schools, a charter school incubator with a proven track record of helping school leaders build successful schools by replicating best practices found in high performing charter schools across the nation. The board places great faith in the school leader’s ability to successfully operate the school following completion of the fellowship.

Strengths of Application

Proposed board members demonstrate strong roots in Baton Rouge and hold a wide range of skills and experience. The proposed board chair’s experience as the former President and CEO of the Capital Area United Way demonstrates capacity to raise philanthropic dollars in the case funding is deemed essential.

The school states it will build on the principles of Building Excellent School’s no excuses model, allowing expectations and strategies to be centered on high levels of student outcomes despite outside factors.

The application indicates the school will support teacher growth and propel student outcomes through school-wide professional development to create a leadership pipeline that will attract and retain high performing teachers and leaders.

Recommendation Drivers

The proposed school’s growth plan, opening with 108 kindergarteners, is slow, permitting the leadership team with an opportunity to fully develop the myriad of best practices the proposed leader has acquired through the BES fellowship. (The review team highly recommends that a comprehensive academic team be established pre-opening to support the leader and account for foreseen deficiencies. In addition to a director of curriculum and assessment, as proposed by the applicant, the academic team would include a director of special education and an administrator of professional development.)

The proposed community, East Baton Rouge parish, is in need of high quality charter schools.

Clear dedication to building strong foundation in literacy and mathematics with a focus on college from day one.

The proposed school’s budget demonstrates choices that are driven by the school’s mission. The board members have committed themselves to fundraising.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Celerity Schools Louisiana.

An approval authorizes Celerity to launch up to three Type 5 charter schools in 2014 and up to seven additional Type 5 charter schools in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2014 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational performance data to determine how Celerity may expand according to their growth plan. All ten schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.

Proposed Growth Plan

BESE Authorized Schools Included in Growth Plan

If BESE authorizes this proposal: • Celerity may open up to three Type 5 charter schools serving grades K-8 in East Baton Rouge and

Orleans Parishes in the fall of 2014, pending assignment of a site by the RSD. • Celerity may open up to seven Type 5 charter schools serving grades K-8 in Caddo, East Baton Rouge,

and Orleans Parishes, pending the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Charter Applications Submitted to Districts

Celerity Schools Louisiana is also applying for two Type 3 district-authorized charter schools in Jefferson Parish. BESE does not make authorization decisions for Type 3 charter proposals.

Applicant History

Experience Level Experienced Existing

Schools 8 Previous BESE Applications No Previous District

Applications No

Applicant’s Proposal Celerity is proposing to open standards-focused K-8 schools in Louisiana. Through a rigorous, college preparatory program that is project-based, curriculum-focused, and community involved, Celerity plans to launch multiple transformation schools.

Department Recommendation Rationale • Recommendation: Approve • Celerity schools have a track record of academic performance. Based on 2011 academic results:

o Celerity’s schools averaged 85% student proficiency; o Celerity’s schools were above the 90th percentile among comparable California schools (serving similar student populations

– average of 90% free/reduced-lunch). • Celerity has demonstrated the capacity to grow:

o Key personnel will relocate to Louisiana; and o Celerity has already successfully expanded to multiple campuses in California.

• The applicant clearly articulated core drivers of the proposed charter school which include: safe, nurturing environment; project-based learning; use of data to set academic targets; high expectations for students, parents and teachers; a culturally relevant responsive education; curriculum aligned to common core; and understanding the differences needed for successful implementation in Louisiana (vs. California).

Recommendation: Approve Celerity Schools Louisiana

Celerity Schools Inc. – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Celerity Schools Inc.


Non-Profit: Celerity Schools Inc.

Origin: National Experience Level: Experienced

School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: Twelve schools:

4 in 2014: Jefferson Parish (1), Orleans Parish (1), East Baton Rouge Parish (2)

3 in 2015: Orleans (2), East Baton Rouge (1)

2 in 2016: Jefferson Parish (1), East Baton Rouge (1)

2 in 2017: Caddo Parish (2)

1 in 2018: Caddo Parish (1)

Types: 5 (or 1 in Jefferson Parish 2014)

Model: College Prep

Grade Configuration at Start: K-5 Grade Configuration at Scale: K-8

Enrollment at Start: 200-400 per school Enrollment at Scale: 500-600 per school = 6000-7200 total


The applicant proposes a school to provide an academic program aligned with the common core academic standards that engage students in project-based learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

The proposed school plans to establish high academic and behavioral expectations for students, as well as high expectations for parents and teachers with regard to ensuring student learning.

At the middle school level the school plans to have teacher learning teams share responsibility for the curriculum, instruction, evaluation, scheduling and discipline of groups of 80-100 students.


Student performance data will be used to set academic performance targets and to determine the student interventions that will be implemented.

The founding team clearly articulated the modifications necessary to implement the educational program in Louisiana as opposed to California. The model will be adjusted to address the specific needs in each parish by utilizing specific data of actual student enrollment.

The staffing plan calls for the hiring of a community liaison from the community to both become familiar with the local culture and to share information regarding the school with the community. A central office will be established in Southern Louisiana in the fall of 2013 and in Northern Louisiana by the fall of 2016.


Celerity has established a track record of success with all of its currently existing schools. Each of its school has been offered full-term contract

renewals at each renewal cycle.

The applicant clearly articulated core drivers of the proposed charter school which include: safe, nurturing environment; project-based learning;

use of data to set academic targets; high expectations for students, parents and teachers; a culturally relevant responsive education; curriculum

aligned to common core; and understanding the differences needed for successful implementation in Louisiana (vs. California).

The school leader will be hired in July 2013; however, the founding team does not plan to have him/her fully immersed in Louisiana until summer

2014.

The founding team has an established budget development process that incorporates an external back office provider. The mission drives budget priorities.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Collegiate Academies.

An approval authorizes Collegiate Academies to launch up to two Type 5 charter schools in 2015 within the Recovery School District and up to five additional schools in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2015 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, organizational performance data to determine how Collegiate Academies may expand according to its growth plan. All seven schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal: • Collegiate may open up to two Type 5 charter schools serving grades 9-12 in 2015 • Collegiate may open up to five Type 5 charter schools serving grades 9-12 , pending the number of RSD

eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History


Schools 3 Previous BESE Applications Yes (Approved) Previous District

Applications No


Collegiate Academies’ high school model is built on hiring and developing great teachers, promoting a culture of growth, preparing college scholars, and using a data-driven decision framework. Collegiate currently operates three successful charter schools in Louisiana.


• Recommendation: Approve • Sci Academy – Collegiate’s first school – has grown over 30 SPS points in the four years in which it has been open.

o Sci Academy received a B letter grade in 2011-2012. o In 2011-2012, Sci Academy students were 81% proficient or above in math and 94% in ELA. o Sci Academy is in the 90th percentile of schools in Louisiana among schools serving similar student populations (2011-12).

• The proposal describes a coherent, comprehensive theory of action that is consistent with both research on high-performance, high poverty schools and with Collegiate Academies’ strategies in its existing schools.

Recommendation: Approve Collegiate Academies

Collegiate Academies (CA) – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Collegiate Academies.


Non-Profit: Collegiate Academies

Origin: Local Experience Level: Experienced

School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: 7 schools opening in RSD: 2 in 2015, 2 in 2017 and 3 in 2019

Types: 5

Model: College Prep

Grade Configuration at Start: 9 Grade Configuration at Scale: 9-12

Enrollment at Start: 130 each

1640 (includes three current schools)

Enrollment at Scale: 460 each

4500 (includes all 10 network schools)


The founding team represents an experienced, Louisiana-based charter operator with a track record of success. The team plans an academic program with a strong focus on literacy at every grade level and highly differentiated interventions for unique learning challenges

Collegiate Academies aims to achieve the high levels of success through: (1) hiring and developing great teachers, (2) developing a culture that promotes growth, (3) focusing on college readiness for all scholars, and (4) using data to drive all decisions.

Collegiate Academies outperforms the Recovery School District and often state averages on end of course exams. A higher percentage of Collegiate Academies scholars graduate in 4 years than students statewide or students in the Recovery School District. Collegiate Academies’ 4-year graduation rates also exceed Louisiana averages for African American and Economically Disadvantaged students by more than 10 percentage points.


The growth plan identifies conditions needed for success, is carefully scaled and contingent on meeting important benchmarks, i.e., prepared school leader, facility.

The founding team’s board members have experience with Collegiate Academies and represent a range of abilities and community connections.

The application’s specificity and thoughtfulness reflect an organization committed to building a culture that will address challenges directly and quickly so that schools can be opened on time and operated with fidelity to the organization’s theory of action.


The proposal describes a coherent, comprehensive theory of action that is consistent with both research on high-performance, high

poverty schools and with CA’s strategies in its existing schools.

The founding team states that the geographic location of Collegiate Academies’ new schools depend upon the need for its expansion (as stated by the Recovery School District), the availability of a school leader for the location, and the fit with its growth conditions. CA only plans to open schools in district facilities.

The founding team has demonstrated its financial capacity; the budget is conservative in its scope, assumes poor funding, and assumes no debt. For each of the past three fiscal years (beginning 2010-11), CA has raised >$1M annually. The organization has little experience scaling; however, the conservative budgeting coupled with the projected slow growth rate indicates the development of internal capacity prior to full scale.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Democracy Prep Louisiana.

An approval authorizes Democracy Prep Louisiana to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2015 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The school may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.


If BESE authorizes this proposal, one Type 5 charter school serving grades K-5 may open in East Baton Rouge Parish in the fall of 2015, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District.

Applicant History



Applications No


Democracy Prep Louisiana proposes to launch a no excuses K-5 charter school in the fall of 2015. The organization currently operates a successful network of schools in New York City under its “work hard, go to college, change the world” mantra and no excuses model.


• Recommendation: Approve • Democracy Prep has demonstrated a track record of high performance, especially in comparison to similar schools:

o Democracy Prep schools have outperformed the NYC charter average, Harlem Children’s Zone, KIPP New York, and Boston Middle Schools as measured by school’s impact on English achievement.

o Percent proficient and percent passing Regents Exams exceeds all comparison groups in NYC: above 90% passing for all subjects on Regents Exams.

• The founding team has articulated a clear theory of change and strategically developed scaling strategy based on past experience.

Recommendation: Approve Democracy Prep Louisiana

Democracy Prep Louisiana Charter School – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Democracy Prep Louisiana Charter School.


Non-Profit: Democracy Prep Louisiana Charter School


School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: 1 school opening 2015 in East Baton Rouge.

Types: 5

Model: College Prep

Grade Configuration at Start: K-1 Grade Configuration at Scale: K-5



Democracy Prep plans to operate a “no excuses” school with a goal of ensuring that all scholars “Work Hard, Go to College, and Change the World.” The school has a mission to educate responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college of their choice and lives of active citizenship.

Democracy Prep has established a history of success in New York City and set goals for this school where: 1) 75% of their students will achieve proficiency by the end of their second year of enrollment, 2) the gap between the school’s percent proficient and the state measure is halved each year, and 3) students scoring at or above proficiency will annually exceed the averaged performance of their grade-level peers on the same exam.

The founding team envisions a school featuring five core elements: 1) rigorous college-prep academics; 2) more time to learn; 3) data-driven decision-making; 4) safe and supportive culture; and 5) exemplary talent.


Democracy Prep’s track record of success is strong; they have achieved success in locations of high need where student achievement has lagged.

The founding team has established a clear and sound central organization with clearly articulated core service functions in: finance, academics, operations, and talent and knowledge. Jobs within all categories are clearly described and delineated.

Democracy Prep articulates its beliefs about autonomy for implementers, which allows individuals within the organization to make decisions regarding their environment.

Democracy Prep has: expanded their organization before, envisioned their biggest challenge—finding and retaining high-caliber talent—and developed countermeasures aimed to counteract this challenge through programs designed to support teachers and leaders so they can perform their primary duties at a high level.


The founding team has articulated a clear theory of change and strategically developed scaling strategy based on past experience.

Democracy Prep’s track record of academic success is strong; their students have achieved in locations of high need where achievement has previously lagged.

While the financial plan is not fully forecasted, Democracy Prep’s budget: adequately funds essential services, is aligned with the school’s mission, does not forecast debt beyond its third year and is based on a model that has succeeded for multiple schools. The founding team has evidenced its financial capacity.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by FirstLine Schools.

An approval authorizes FirstLine to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2014 in Orleans Parish. The school may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.


If BESE authorizes this proposal, one Type 5 charter school serving grades 9-12 may open in Orleans Parish, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District.

Applicant History



Applications No


FirstLine Schools is proposing to open a Type 5 Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school in conjunction with Delgado Community College in the fall of 2014. The school will offer students a personalized and demanding curriculum, resulting in a Louisiana Core 4 Diploma and ultimately preparing students for a variety of career pathways.

Department Recommendation

• Recommendation: Approve • FirstLine Schools has exhibited strong academic growth in its existing schools. FirstLine Schools achieved an average

performance level of approximately 70% basic or above in 2012-13. This performance level represents 10% student growth. • FirstLine’s CTE proposal provides a unique opportunity within the portfolio of New Orleans high school options.

Recommendation: Approve FirstLine Schools

FirstLine Schools – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by FirstLine Schools.


Non-Profit: FirstLine Schools


School Information

School: Career and Technical Education High School (Career Tech High School)

Growth Plan: 1 school opening in 2014 in the RSD.

Types: 5

Model: Career- Vocational-Technical Education

Grade Configuration at Start: 9-12 Grade Configuration at Scale: 9-12



FirstLine Schools plans to offer Career Tech High School students an alternative pathway to graduation, expanding FirstLine Schools’ education programs to serve an underserved population of New Orleans youth.

The model of the proposed Career Tech High School aims to provide a rigorous foundational academic curriculum to prepare students for a broad range of post-secondary placements, while primarily focusing on preparing students to pursue careers in promising industries immediately upon completing their secondary education.

The Career Tech High School plans to offer students an LA Core 4 Diploma track featuring personalized, data driven instruction through a mix of computer-assisted modules, small-group and individual tutorials, and traditional classroom instruction.


FirstLine demonstrates that it is expanding its network purposefully to fill a unique gap in New Orleans.

FirstLine currently operate a network of five charter schools in the state of Louisiana and demonstrates ongoing growth with the population of students. The applicant acknowledges that four of its schools have a D grade but demonstrate consistent growth given the low baseline with which each began.

FirstLine’s proposed planning year will include a pilot with 25 students and the following three foci: development of the character and community education program components; developing the details of the academic program; and, refining its student supports.


The applicant described a clear theory of change and articulation of the replicable strategies/fundamental features that the school will employ—culture, curriculum and assessment data, literacy practices, improved instruction, learning support pathways, personalized learning, professional development, effectiveness.

FirstLine currently serves K-8 grade students in Louisiana. Since Katrina, the two FirstLine schools were renewed for 3 years each.

The founding team demonstrates financial capacity: financials seek positive operating incomes in all five years and a positive cash

flow, real risks are identified with thoughtful countermeasures (slow growth), and the organization’s audits show no significant findings.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Friends of King School.

An approval authorizes Friends of King School to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2014 and up to two additional Type 5 charter schools in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2014 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational performance data to determine how Friends of King School may expand according to its growth plan. All three schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal,: • Friends of King may open one Type 5 charter school in East Baton Rouge or Orleans Parish in 2014,

pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District • Friends of King may open up to two Type 5 charter schools in East Baton Rouge or Orleans Parishes,

pending the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History



Applications No


Friends of King schools utilize the COMER academic model and drive educational change through collaboration, behavior supports, and technology rich classrooms. Friends of King schools also focus on parental involvement in their model.


• Recommendation: Approve • Friends of King schools have demonstrated capacity to open and operate multiple schools in Louisiana. • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology has maintained solid academic performance with 66-74%

basic and above the past five years. • The Friends of King network has an established budget development process, guided by its Director of Finance, which includes

input from building principals and insights gained from experiences at its schools.

Recommendation: Approve Friends of King School

Friends of King School – Final Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Friends of King School.


Non-Profit: Friends of King School


School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: 3 PK-8 schools in Orleans Parish or Baton Rouge; one will open in 2014, one in 2015, another in 2016. Types: 5

Model: tbd

Grade Configuration at Start: Pre-K - 8 Grade Configuration at Scale: Pre-K - 8



The applicants view the core drivers of the proposed charter school to include a no excuses philosophy combined with the Comer academic model.

Students of the proposed school will reach their potential through the use of multiple elements that include direct instruction, teacher collaboration, use of technology, professional development, reasonable class size, positive behavior supports, parent involvement and strong school leadership.

The proposed school is modeled after two other Friends of King schools that have achieved a certain level of success with regard to student academic performance.


Friends of King have a central office that has established processes and practices to provide shared services and financial oversight to its schools.

It is not in the financial plans of the Friends of King to borrow or loan funds to sustain operations.

The applicants claim that there has been no litigation, no material findings and no performance deficiencies or compliance violations that have led to authorizer intervention.


The applicant articulated the core drivers of the proposed school’s educational program, the primary of which is the Comer approach.

The founding group has demonstrated its ability to effectively open and operate schools. The Friends of King network has an established budget development process, guided by its Director of Finance, which includes input from building principals and consideration of insights gained from experiences at its schools.

The Friends of King expressed its commitment to maintaining the culture of a community in any school it manages.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Friendship Louisiana Inc.

An approval authorizes Friendship Louisiana Inc. to launch up to four Type 5 charter schools in 2014 in Caddo and East Baton Rouge Parishes. All four schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.


If BESE authorizes this proposal, Friendship may open up to four Type 5 charter schools in Caddo and East Baton Rouge Parishes in the fall of 2014, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District.

Applicant History


Schools 11 Previous BESE Applications 2012 (Denied) Previous District

Applications No


Friendship proposes to implement the turnaround model that they have successfully implemented in Baltimore and Washington, DC. Friendship’s school model is based on high expectations for students and working closely with the community to reach those expectations.


• Recommendation: Approve • Friendship has a track record of turning around underperforming schools:

o 91% cohort graduation rate o 100% of graduating students accepted into college; 81% enroll on time o Met 90% of early childhood targets o All K-8s outperformed the median of DC Public Schools

• Friendship thoughtfully selects mission-aligned leaders and ensures that all schools devote intentional time to establishing a culture of achievement across all individuals in the building.

• Friendship has historically exceled at developing strong community relationships.

Recommendation: Approve Friendship Louisiana Inc.

Friendship Louisiana Inc. – Final Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Friendship Louisiana Inc.


Non-Profit: Friendship Louisiana Inc.


School Information

School: tba Growth Plan: 4 schools opening in 2014, 3 in Caddo and 1 in East Baton Rouge.

Types: 5

Model: Community school

Grade Configuration at Start: K-3 (2), 6-9, 7-9 Grade Configuration at Scale: Pre-k – 6 (2), 6-12, and 7-12



The applicant proposes a school model that will focus on three tenets: strong leadership, a culture of achievement, and a small learning environment.

Friendship Louisiana will retain the services of Friendship Public Charter School Inc. to start, manage, and grow a network of schools in Shreveport (3 schools) and Prescott/Istrouma (1 school). Friendship Public Charter School Inc. is an organization that successfully operates 5 turnaround schools in Washington DC and Baltimore.

The schools will utilize research-based curricular resource materials that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards, which will enable students to achieve high levels of success.


The applicant indicated that engaging the community is an integral component of the school’s model and articulated actions that would be taken to ensure families and community members are involved in the life of the school.

The applicant described the organizational structure of both Friendship Louisiana and Friendship Public Charter Schools Inc. The applicant described the employees that the management organization would hire to support their schools in Louisiana.

The school’s staffing model will utilize one teacher per 17-20 students thereby allowing the school to produce the small school culture they desire.


While school-level leaders have not yet been identified, the applicant indicated that two current Friendship Public Charter School Inc. leaders would relocate to Louisiana to support the development, hiring process, and management of the proposed schools.

In both the application and the interview, the applicant presented evidence that Friendship Public Charter School Inc. possesses experience successfully turning-around schools in high need areas. The applicant indicated that they would utilize the previously learned experiences to ensure success in Louisiana.

The applicant group was able to describe the role of the board, although not fully established, and the need to set clear goals and expectations for the performance of the management company and the schools.

The applicant’s budget includes reasonable projections for all major assumptions that will likely to contribute to financial health of the school.


The Department recommends that BESE approves the plan submitted by Family Urban Schools of Excellence Louisiana (FUSE).

An approval authorizes the applicant to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2014 in East Baton Rouge Parish and up to four additional Type 5 charter schools in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2014 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational performance data to determine how FUSE Louisiana may expand according to its growth plan. All five schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal: • FUSE may open one Type 5 charter school serving grades PK-5 in East Baton Rouge Parish in the fall of

2014, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District. • FUSE may open up to four Type 5 charter schools serving grades PK-8 in East Baton Rouge Parish,

pending the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History



Applications No


FUSE Louisiana’s school model is built on family and community involvement and developing the whole child.


• Recommendation: Approve • FUSE has a track record of high performance and growth in existing Connecticut charter schools:

o In 2011, FUSE students achieved 83% proficiency in ELA and 89% proficiency in math; and, o FUSE operated schools are in the 90th percentile among Connecticut schools with similar demographics.

• FUSE has the capacity and community connections to be successful: o Has previously demonstrated successful growth within Connecticut; and, o Has built community relationships in Baton Rouge.

Recommendation: Approve Family Urban Schools of Excellence Louisiana

FUSE Louisiana – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Deny the application submitted by FUSE Louisiana.


Non-Profit: FUSE Louisiana


School Information

School: Tbd Growth Plan: 5 schools proposed in East Baton Rouge, 1 school opening each year beginning in 2014. Types: 5

Model:

Grade Configuration at Start: PreK – 5 Grade Configuration at Scale: PreK-5 (1) and PreK-8 (4)

Enrollment at Start: 300 Enrollment at Scale: 300 + (4)432 each = 2028


FUSE’s educational model that emphasizes a unified and affirming school culture, family and community, excellence in teaching and learning, and adequate student support services, FUSE has been approached with requests to share its model in other contexts.

The applicant believes that a key component of establishing a successful learning environment is the creation of a meaningful connection with our students – essentially, developing the whole child.

The founding team has implemented a 180 system in its school in Connecticut that charts out every point of a child’s status on the school spectrum. This system tracks not only academic performance, but also attendance, tardiness, teacher comments, behavior and homework completion.

FUSE has outlined four specific priorities: teacher coaching and evaluation; transitioning to common core standards; increasing access to high-performing schools; and broadly communicating the impact of these priorities.


The applicant presents general information and anecdotal evidence to suggest that it has a track record of achievement with

similar demographic populations.

Application clearly identifies specific instructional approaches that it plans to utilize including: Launch, Explore Summarize; 4Ms,

Manageable, Measurable, Made First and Most Important; Post-It objectives; and Exit Tickets.

FUSE’s audit showed positive financial trends and an operating reserve of approximately 55% for the organization.

The application identifies realistic risks associated with growth in Louisiana: District Partnerships, enrollment, financial climate,

legislative support and staff recruitment and retention.


The application provided little insight about how the existing school functions; the applicant does not identify the actual educational program that would be replicated or the extent and causes of success. The applicant has not demonstrated the ability to articulate a clear Theory of Change.

In addition, the application provides an inadequate description of the scope of responsibilities and operational role that the central FUSE organization would fulfill; without this specificity, FUSE has not demonstrated that the organization is positioned to successfully replicate their existing school.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Green Dot.

An approval authorizes Green Dot to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2015 in East Baton Rouge Parish and up to five additional Type 5 charter schools in subsequent years in East Baton Rouge and Orleans Parishes. Any schools proposed for launch after 2015 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational performance data to determine how Green Dot may expand according to its growth plan. All six schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal, the following schools may open: • Green Dot may open one Type 5 charter school serving grades 9-12 in East Baton Rouge Parish in the fall

of 2015, pending assignment of a site by the RSD. • Green Dot may open up to five Type 5 charter schools serving either grades 6-8 or 9-12 in East Baton

Rouge and Orleans Parishes, pending the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History



Applications No


Green Dot schools focus on achieving student potential by promoting personal responsibility, a passion for excellence, stakeholder engagement, and respect for all. Green Dot also ensures teachers are highly effective and that its schools maintain strong leadership.


• Recommendation: Approve • Green Dot’s current schools have excellent past performance, outpacing comparable schools in the LA Unified School District. • Green Dot’s history of successful expansion across California has demonstrated its capacity to grow to Louisiana. • Green Dot serves primarily minority (over 95%) and economically disadvantaged students (over 85%). • The majority of Green Dot’s schools (9 out of 13) are in the 90th percentile of comparable schools (serving similar populations) in

California. • Green Dot plans to create a regional system in Louisiana, with an executive director, human capital and human resources director,

finance and business affairs director, community engagement director, and instructional coach.

Recommendation: Approve Green Dot

Green Dot Louisiana – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Green Dot Louisiana


Non-Profit: Green Dot Louisiana (to be incorporated)


School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: 6 schools opening: 4 in RSD / East Baton Rouge Parish (1 in 2015-26, 2 in 2016-17 and 1 in 2017-18) and 2 RSD / Orleans Parish (2018-19 and 2019-20)

Types: 5

Model: College Prep

Grade Configuration at Start: 9-12 Grade Configuration at Scale: 9-12 and 6-8



The founding team envisions schools that empower students to see their full potential and to become prepared for college, leadership and life by providing a small, college preparatory program where all stakeholders actively engage in the education process.

Green Dot plans to transform six schools beginning with one in 2015 and taking over an additional five schools between 2016-2020. Green Dot has experience as a turnaround operator and serves over 10,000 students in Los Angeles.

Green Dot holds five core values: 1) an unwavering belief in all students’ potential, 2) passion for excellence, 3) personal responsibility 4) respect for others and the community: and 5) all stakeholders are critical in the education process.

Green Dot has an established a history of success; the founding team has set goals for this school where: 1) average daily attendance will be at 95%, 2) 75% of 9th grade cohorts will graduate in 4 years, and 3) 80% of students will earn 4-Year college acceptance.


Green Dot has experienced academic success in their schools. The CREDO indicates Green Dot’s growth effect size among its 20 schools is -.01 for math and .05 in reading. Data within the application demonstrates steady growth in graduation and proficiency rates for schools currently in its network. The application indicates Green Dot outperforms comparable sites in the LAUSD.

The founding team has articulated a clear scaling strategy that relies on human capital to ensure the success of its new schools. Additionally, Green Dot plans to create a regional support structure in Louisiana with clear communication to support schools’ academic, financial and operational needs. There will be one governing board for all schools within Louisiana and one school site advisory council per school.

The application identifies valid risks, including: securing philanthropic funding, building a robust human capital pipeline, school building conditions and deferred maintenance, scale & enrollment, community engagement.


Green Dot’s theory of change provides a coherent picture of what will be taught and how it will be taught. Elements that will

drive student outcomes are provided in great detail. The components demonstrate Green Dot will create a positive effect for the

community in Louisiana.

The founding team has evidenced their financial capacity; financial assumptions are based on their experience with existing

schools, provide for essential services and assume no debt. The forecasted financials demonstrate liquidity and audits of their financial performance are healthy. Green Dot has received nearly $60 million from private foundations over its history.

Green Dot plans a cautious and thoughtful growth plan. Green Dot has a track record of identifying highly-qualified school leaders.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by KIPP New Orleans Schools.

An approval authorizes KIPP New Orleans Schools to launch one Type 5 charter school in 2015 and up to seven additional Type 5 charter schools in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2015 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational performance data to determine how KIPP New Orleans Schools may expand according to their growth plan. All eight schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal, • KIPP may open one Type 5 charter school serving grades 9-12 in Orleans Parish in the fall of 2015,

pending assignment of a site by the RSD. • KIPP may open up to seven Type 5 charter schools in East Baton Rouge and Orleans Parishes, pending

the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History


Schools 141 (nationally) 11 (locally)

Previous BESE Applications Yes (approved) Previous District

Applications No

Applicant’s Proposal KIPP plans to open college prep elementary schools and high schools. KIPP schools are characterized by dedicated teachers, a focus on character education, and an outcomes-based approach.


• Recommendation: Approve • KIPP New Orleans has demonstrated a successful track record of producing results with its existing Louisiana schools. • KIPP New Orleans has achieved an average proficiency level of greater than 70% over the last three years. • KIPP New Orleans schools are in the 90th percentile among schools serving similar students in Louisiana. • A study of CMOs by CREDO from Stanford University places KIPP’s performance near the top performance level among all CMOs

nationwide in both math and reading. • KIPP New Orleans has demonstrated the capacity to both grow and cultivate a pipeline of high-quality leaders. • The applicant has presented a clear and comprehensive scale strategy, including the effective use of key human and financial

capital, clear delineation of job responsibilities between the central organization and schools, and an appropriate process to execute final growth plans.

Recommendation: Approve KIPP New Orleans Schools

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS)–Final Recommendation to the Department

RecommendationApprove the application submitted by the KIPP New Orleans Schools.

Non-Profit InformationNon-Profit: KIPP New Orleans Schools


School InformationSchool: KIPP New Orleans Schools Growth Plan: 8 new schools through 2019-20 in New

Orleans and Baton Rouge, including up to 2 high schools and the remaining K-8 configurations, in addition to 9 currently operated schools.

Types: 5

Model: College Preparation

Grade Configuration at Start: 9 (high school), K-4(elementary schools)

Grade Configuration at Scale: K-12, up to 8 new schools



Applicant proposes a program focused on expanding its college preparation program that is affiliated with the national Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), a network of approximately 125 schools designed around the following 5 Core Pillars: More [instructional] Time; Power to Lead, Choice and Commitment; Focus on Results; and High Expectations.

The three key components of the applicant’s scale strategy include transparent decision-making, high-quality leadership and human capital and building structures and operations alongside and in tandem with growing schools.

The applicant explicitly believes its most important outcome is college graduation for students utilizing a “do whatever it takes”philosophy.


The application includes clear and verified evidence that existing schools have been effective in allowing struggling students to reach and exceed core subject-area proficiency.

Applicant is very clear about its mission (“…to empower all students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful to and through college and the world beyond.”) and anticipated student outcome (“graduation from college”).

The applicant has acknowledged reasonable risks to further growth and effective countermeasures intended to allow the organization to respond to anticipated and unanticipated challenges.


The applicant has demonstrated a track record of raising student achievement with a similar student demographic population and in Louisiana.

The non-profit organization has demonstrated the ability to cultivate school leaders and, in conjunction with its national partner, has developed professional development strategies likely to continue to the development of leaders and teachers.

The applicant has presented a clear and comprehensive scale strategy, including the effective use of key human and financial capital, clear delineation of job responsibilities between the central organization and schools, and an appropriate process to execute final growth plans.

The applicant has demonstrated an ability to remain fiscally sound and has provided a growth plan that is reasonable and supports that priorities and mission of the organization.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by Spirit of Excellence.

An approval authorizes Spirit of Excellence to launch one Type 5 charter school in the fall of 2014 in East Baton Rouge Parish. The school may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.


If BESE authorizes this proposal, one Type 5 charter serving school grades PK-5 may open in East Baton Rouge Parish in the fall of 2014, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District.

Applicant History


Schools 1 Previous BESE Applications 2012 – Denied Previous District

Applications No


Spirit of Excellence schools integrate the Target Teach curriculum with research-based educational practices like cooperative learning and data-driven instruction.


• Recommendation: Approve • Spirit of Excellence’s existing Type 5 charter school’s performance has continuously grown since its founding, including growth

from 43% basic or above in 2010-11 to 54% in 2011-12 and similar performance in 2012-13. • Spirit of Excellence presented very strong board leadership with the skills and experience to hold a school leader accountable.

Recommendation: Approve Spirit of Excellence Learning Academy

Spirit of Excellence Learning Academy – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by Spirit of Excellence Learning Academy.


Non-Profit: Spirit of Excellence Learning Academy


School Information

School: Spirit of Excellence Academy Growth Plan: 1 schools opening in 2014 in East Baton Rouge.

Types: 5

Model: Mastery-Based

Grade Configuration at Start: Pre-k - 5 Grade Configuration at Scale: Pre-k - 5



The proposed school will implement the Target Teach (TT) curriculum alignment model to meet its vision to bring the students of NBR to academic mastery in all core subject areas.

Teachers will work with the TT Professional Development Team to align the curriculum, identify instructional goals, fill gaps, provide incremental testing and benchmarks, and to monitor progress and disaggregate data.

The proposed school will create an Individual Prescription Plan for each student. An extended day, after school tutoring and intervention will be provided for students in need of re-teaching or intensive support.

The applicant proposes to develop a school parental involvement policy that describes how the school will carry out parental involvement requirements, such as a school-parent contract.


The application and team demonstrate a true desire to change the lives of children, proposing, “to create a culture that will not only promote a positive academic environment, but reinforce intellectual and social development.” The proposed school will use a token economy approach to reinforce positive behaviors and to alleviate the need for disciplinary action.

Teacher enthusiasm at the school will drive achievement. If blindfolded upon entry, one would sense the goal is academic mastery.

School leadership team will consist of a Chief Executive, a Chief Academic Officer, the Chief Finance Officer and a Dean of Students.


The Spirit of Excellence team is proposing the takeover of a low performing school in the Recovery School District.

The Spirit of Excellence team proposes a comprehensive school leadership team. A statewide search for a new school leader was launched following the team’s disappointment with the originally proposed school leader’s contribution during the interview. The team will select one of two prospective candidates in the near future.

The existing school demonstrates a trend in performance towards mastery in both English language arts and mathematics (in both grades 4 and 8, but greater in grade 4.)

A finance committee will monitor the school’s financial status on a regular basis. The budget demonstrates that each year has a significant operating income with positive cash flow. A cash flow that can be applied to further meet its mission.


The Department recommends that BESE approve the plan submitted by YES Prep Public Schools.

An approval specifically authorizes YES to launch up to two Type 5 charter schools in 2016 and up to four Type 5 charter schools in East Baton Rouge and Orleans Parishes in subsequent years. Any schools proposed for launch after 2016 would be permitted to launch only after a successful review. The Department will annually review all academic, financial, and organizational data to determine how YES Prep Public Schools may expand according to their growth plan. All six schools proposed in this plan may only launch upon assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District.



If BESE authorizes this proposal: • YES may open up to two Type 5 charter schools in Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parishes,

serving grades 6-12, pending assignment of a site by the Recovery School District. • YES may open up to four Type 5 charter schools serving grades 6-12 in East Baton Rouge and Orleans

Parishes, pending the number of RSD eligible schools, the availability of facilities, assignment of a site by the Superintendent of the Recovery School District, and approval by the Department.

Applicant History


Schools 13 Previous BESE Applications 2007 – Denied Previous District

Applications No


YES Prep schools are characterized by five key components: specific expectations for culture, a rigorous college prep curriculum for all students, integrated student support systems, exposure to enrichment opportunities, and personalized college counseling leading to support through college.


• Recommendation: Approve • YES Prep’s results indicate the ability to replicate a quality school model that produces successful student outcomes:

o 100% of graduating seniors accepted into college. o Awarded Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools for demonstrating outstanding performance among low-income /minority

students. • YES Prep envisions a growth plan that is thoughtful and deliberate. • YES Prep’s theory of change provides a coherent picture of what will be taught and how it will be taught. Elements that will drive

student outcomes are provided in great detail.

Recommendation: Approve YES Prep Public Schools

YES Prep Public Schools – FINAL Recommendation to the Department

Recommendation

Approve the application submitted by YES Prep Public Schools.


Non-Profit: YES Prep Public Schools


School Information

School: tbd Growth Plan: 6 schools, 4 in Orleans Parish and 2 in Baton Rouge.

2 schools will open in Orleans Parish in 2016, 2 schools in Baton Rouge in 2018, and 2 additional schools in Orleans Parish in 2020.

Types: 5

Model: College Prep

Grade Configuration at Start: 6th Grade Configuration at Scale: 6-12

Enrollment at Start: 140 each Enrollment at Scale: 5700 (950 / school)


YES Prep proposes to create 6 high-performing schools for grade 6-12 in Orleans Parish and Baton Rouge.

YES Prep defines successful student outcomes by measuring a number of different factors, including: student persistence, academic outcomes, behavior outcomes, and college access.

The U.S. Department of Education named YES Prep Southwest a National Blue Ribbon School, only 26 public and private schools in Texas received this recognition in 2012.

YES Prep has a 15 year track record of excellence in educating students from low-income communities. Over 80% of their student body is classified as economically disadvantaged (FRL) and the ethnic demographics of YES Prep’s student body are 93% Hispanic, 6% African-American, and 1% white/other.


YES Prep envisions a growth plan that is slow, thoughtful, and deliberate.

Data from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) indicates the performance of 6 of YES Prep’s 7 existing schools are “above typical” in both Math and ELA when compared against similar schools.

YES Prep identifies that they have significant experience in their 10 years of replicating their model and plan to continue to replication. Additionally, YES Prep identifies many systems to develop and sustain high quality leaders within their organization.


Yes Prep has a track record of producing high quality schools, the ability to identify highly-qualified school leaders, and has created a plan for slow and thoughtful growth.

Yes Prep’s theory of change provides a coherent picture of what will be taught and how it will be taught. Elements that will

drive student outcomes are provided in great detail. The components demonstrate Yes Prep will create a positive effect for the

community in Louisiana.

The founding team has evidenced financial capacity; financial assumptions, while assuming losses in initial years, are based on

their experience with existing schools and provide for essential services. The forecasted financials envision eventual liquidity, LDE would benefit from more information to substantiate Yes Prep’s ability to make up budget deficits in the schools’ initial years of operation.

recommendation: approve baton rouge university preparatory … · 2019-05-30 · baton rouge...

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