The Charter Support Unit is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the planners of the Florida Charter School Conference to bring you recorded sessions from the 2024 Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit.
These sessions were recorded live at the conference, therefore the audio is not always the best quality. We’ve attempted to edit and tweak them where possible. We’ve added an AI generated summary for each session based on the transcript of each session, and whenever possible we’ve included the slides and handouts when they are available.
For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.charterschoolconference.com/2024/
General Sessions
Opening Session
The opening session to the 2024 conference welcomed participants with the Florida Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz, Jr. conducting an interview of Eva Moskowitz, the CEO and Founder at Success Academy Charter Schools which was recently approved as a Hope Provider to open charter schools in Florida.
Closing Session
The closing session of the conference featured Jim Horne who served as the State of Florida’s first appointed Commissioner of Education under Governor Jeb Bush. He talks about the important role Charters have played in Florida and how we need to keep innovating.
Breakout Sessions
Accessing Choice Scholarships as a New Revenue Stream
This presentation explored the impact of the Personalized Education Program (PEP) and Unique Abilities (FESUA) scholarships, which provide hundreds of millions of dollars in choice scholarships to tens of thousands of homeschooled students. These funds are not allocated to traditional private schools. The session discussed how part-time enrollment (private schools), contracted services (public schools), and other strategies can be utilized to meet the unique needs of these students. It also provided a walkthrough of the entire process in the Step Up For Students (SUFS) Education Market Assistant (EMA) marketplace, from account creation to invoicing student accounts.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- David Heroux, Senior Director of Provider Relations & Development, Step Up For Students
Aligning and Defining Instructional Look-Fors
In this presentation, the Department’s Bureau of School Improvement discussed how to leverage a vision for high-quality instruction to identify, prioritize, and define look-fors to accelerate student achievement.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Angie Mahone, Assistant State Director, Bureau of School Improvement, Florida Department of Education
- Dustin Sims, Lead State Executive Director, School Improvement, Florida Department of Education
Becoming Your Own LEA
This session was designed for charter school leaders seeking to maximize funding and autonomy. Participants learned about Florida’s statute that allows eligible charter schools to become their own Local Education Agency (LEA), opening the door to significantly increased federal funding. Currently, seven organizations in Florida have embraced this opportunity, benefiting from the independence it offers.
The presentation addressed the challenges of transitioning to an LEA, emphasizing the need for careful planning, understanding regulations, and meeting deadlines and paperwork requirements. Hosted by the Florida Charter Institute, the session unveiled the newly released LEA Manual—a comprehensive reference guide outlining essential requirements and providing valuable tips for schools considering this change.
The presentation covered the fundamentals of serving as an independent LEA and highlighted key considerations to help schools determine if this step was the right move. It empowered participants with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive as independent LEAs, unlocking new funding potential and greater autonomy.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Carlos Capellan, District Director of Leadership Operations, Florida Charter Institute
- Curtis Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, Florida Charter Institute
- Christy Noe, EDD Authorization, Florida Charter Institute
Best Practices for Strong Board Governance
This presentation explored how high-performing charter schools consistently advance their mission, often due to a high-performing governing board working effectively in collaboration with the school’s leadership. Attendees gained insight into best practices for keeping their charter school’s governing board energized and mobilized toward fulfilling the school’s mission and goals.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Christine Mentis, Director of Governance Program, Charter Support Unit
- Kathleen Schoenberg, Attorney/Trainer, Kathleen W. Schoenberg Charter School Governance Training
- Dana Vignale, Charter Support Manager, Florida Charter Institute
Beyond the Checklist: Mastering Compliance and Monitoring in Charter Schools
This presentation explored advanced oversight strategies, emphasizing sustained educational excellence through robust monitoring and innovative implementation of regulatory frameworks. Presenters highlighted effective communication, collaboration, and practical solutions for common compliance challenges, aiming to enhance charter school management and student achievement.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Vanessa Glenn, Project Support Specialist, Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers
- Kia Sweeney Scott, Sr. Director, Orange County Public Schools
- Marianne Blair, Executive Director, Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA)
Blueprint for Success: Strategies to Support Your Facility Plan
This presentation provided essential knowledge for building a school, guiding participants on how to prepare leadership and board members for financing and constructing a new facility. Attendees gained an understanding of operational planning, site selection criteria, facility process challenges, and how to create a timeline and finance plan for their target opening date.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Lauren Allen, Director of Business Development, Building Hope
- Richard Moreno, President of Services, Building Hope
- Michelle Nunez, Principal, CEO, Building Hope
Boosting Student Memory: Strategies for Academic Success Based on The Science of Learning
This hands-on presentation explored evidence-based strategies to improve student memory, foster academic success, and enhance learning outcomes. Five key Science of Learning studies that every educator should know about improving student memory were unpacked to enhance participant learning and professional growth.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Liliana Salazar, National Director for Special Education and Student Support, Academica
- Bonnie May, Director of Support & Services, Academica
Budget Monitoring and Financial Oversight for Charter School Governing Boards
This presentation equipped charter school governing boards with essential financial oversight skills. Attendees learned how to monitor budgets, understand financial reports, and ensure transparency, even when working with management firms. The session emphasized the importance of the RedBook guidelines and strategic financial planning.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Dana Vignale, Charter Support Manager, Florida Charter Institute
- Heather Clay, Executive Director, Innovation Montessori Ocoee
Building Great Citizens with the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI)
This presentation shared the benefits of competitive speech and debate for student performance, character, and test scores. It also covered how speech and debate benefit schools and how to start a team. Finally, attendees participated in an activity that illustrated how debate fosters civil discourse in competition and the classroom.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- John Duebel, Director, Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, Florida Department of Education
Building Resiliency in Florida’s Students
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Peggy Aune, Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Improvement, Florida Department of Education
Charter School Funding Through the Florida Education Finance Program
This presentation provided an introductory overview of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), the primary source of operating funds for all K–12 public schools in Florida. Other topics covered included the reporting of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, new legislation, class size reduction funding, class size compliance, and the charter revenue worksheet.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
Classrooms to Careers: FTA’s Customized Pre-Apprenticeships and Certified Training for Student Success
This presentation explored how Florida Trade Academy (FTA) equips students nearing graduation with the skills and certifications needed to transition seamlessly from the classroom to a successful career. FTA specializes in developing and managing customized registered pre-apprenticeship and certified training programs, offering students hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials. The session highlighted how these innovative pathways provide students with tangible opportunities in high-demand fields, preparing them to meet the needs of today’s employers and fostering career readiness at an early age.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Chris Pello, CEO, Florida Trade Academy
Data to Dollars
This presentation helped attendees better understand the reporting process and the information required by the Florida Department of Education, as well as how that data determines a school’s funding. It emphasized how the quality and understanding of charter school data directly impact funding, accountability, and public perception.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Shawna Reid, Executive Director, Data Systens, Florida Department of Education
Developing and Maintaining a Support System: How School Leaders and Board Members Can Work as a Team
This presentation addressed common problems that can arise in the relationships between school leaders and board members and explored effective ways to address and resolve them. Discussions included reasons why the relationship between the board and the school leader can suffer and offered suggestions on how to improve those relationships.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kathleen Schoenberg, Attorney/Trainer, Kathleen W. Schoenberg Charter School Governance Training
- Christine Mentis, Director of Governance Program, Charter Support Unit
Documentation to Avoid or Succeed in Litigation
This panel presented best practices through theoretical and real-world examples, emphasizing the importance of contemporaneous and thorough documentation of events and observations to avoid or prevail in litigation.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Shawn Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
- Steve Casenza, CEO, Palm Beach Maritime Academy
- Monica Knight, Exec Director of Quality Schools and Special Projects, Green Apple School Management
Empowering Educators: Harnessing AI in the Classroom
In this presentation, a group of Florida school leaders and AI experts discussed the evolution of artificial intelligence and facilitated an open discussion about the current pros and cons surrounding this often misunderstood technology.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Brian Haden, Director of Sales, Technology Lab
- James Pope, Chief Revenue Officer, Technology Lab
Empowering School Leaders: Strengthening K-12 Civics Education Through Strategic Support and Professional Learning
This presentation provided school leaders with valuable insights into civics and government standards, equipping them with the knowledge to drive student success while highlighting impactful professional learning opportunities. Participants received information on registering for the Civics Seal of Excellence and how it could enhance instructional processes in the classroom. The session emphasized the importance of K-12 civics education and demonstrated how specific resources could support teachers and increase student mastery. Participants explored how civics and government benchmarks could be applied across multiple content areas and learned about the targeted support available from Regional Civics Literacy Directors and Coaches, including one-on-one teacher coaching, school and district-based professional learning, and other events.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kenneth Chestnut, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Tyler Eastridge, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Lauren Kappler, Regional Civics Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Traci Mulitsa, Civics Regional Director, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
Enrollmania Masterclass: Strategies to Elevate Your School Enrollment
This presentation highlighted effective marketing strategies tailored for school leaders aiming to attract potential students and enhance enrollment in a competitive K-12 market. Participants gained insights into proven tactics and approaches designed to amplify visibility, engage prospective families, and foster sustainable growth within the educational landscape.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director, Florida Charter School Alliance
ESE Best Practices
This session explored case studies from Florida’s charter schools excelling in serving students with disabilities. Participants learned about effective practices, discussed findings, and engaged in a Q&A with school leaders and researchers. The session provided valuable insights to enhance educational outcomes for students receiving ESE services.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Lindsey Granger, Senior Consultant, Collaborative Educational Network, Inc.
- Christy Noe, EDD Authorization, Florida Charter Institute
- Carla Lovett, Executive Director, SouthTech Schools
- Tandria Callins, CEO, Language and Literacy Academy for Learning
- Kim Cavanah, Executive Vice President, Collaborative Educational Network, Inc.
ESSER Cliff: Myth or Reality? Navigating Economic Challenges: Running a Cost-Effective Network of Schools
This session featured a Collaborative Roundtable Discussion, conducted as part of Year 4 of The Charter School Leaders and Authorizers Compliance and Best Practices Training and Collaboration Grant.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Tony Arza, School Leaders Fellowship / District Charter Collaborative, DynEval Solutions, LLC
Everything You Should Know About Certification
In this presentation, participants gained an understanding of the educator certification process, from application submission to certificate issuance. They also learned about the 2024 legislative changes to educator certification statutes and rules.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Michelle Gaines, Bureau Chief, Florida Department of Education
FDOE Update
FDOE representatives provided an update on legislative and other changes affecting Florida charter schools.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Adam Emerson, Executive Director, IEPC, Florida Department of Education
- Vicki Pineda, Charter Schools Director, Florida Department of Education
Florida Model Threat Management: Updates and Compliance Issues
This presentation covered updates related to threat management training and documentation. It also addressed common issues with school-based threat management teams that were identified during compliance inspections.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Angie Chesser, Deputy Director, Office of Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education
Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)
Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 2.6 million children have benefited from VPK. Data collected by the Department of Education showed that children who participated in VPK were more likely to enter kindergarten ready for school, setting them on a path to learn, graduate, and succeed. Private, public, and charter schools, as well as private child care centers and specialized instructional services providers, offered VPK. Providers contracted with their early learning coalition to ensure the delivery of a high-quality program led by qualified instructors. This presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the VPK program, including the benefits of becoming a VPK Provider.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Cari Miller, Chancellor of Early Learning, Florida Department of Education
Four Keys to School Sustainability
This presentation emphasized that education and reputation alone do not guarantee a school’s sustainability. It explored key areas essential for building a strong foundation to advance a school’s vision and mission. Participants were guided to transform their definition of sustainability and create a strong future for their institutions.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Ronda Dry, Assoc. Vice President, Step Up For Students
From Succession to Success: Building a Future-Ready Leadership Pipeline at Your School
This session addressed one of the most disruptive challenges schools can face: the sudden need to replace a leader. It highlighted how a proper succession plan can mitigate disruption and ensure a smooth transition for the school and the community it serves. Participants learned about programs developed by the Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) and Doral College that are successfully preparing high-quality future charter school leaders. This was particularly valuable for independent schools that have identified a potential school leader but lack the resources to fully develop that person’s talents and skill set.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director, Florida Charter School Alliance
- Judith Marty, President, Doral College
Grades PreK-5 Literacy Instruction Practice Profile
During this presentation, participants developed an understanding of the Grades PreK-5 Literacy Instruction Practice Profile. The Practice Profile clearly defined evidence-based instructional practices for Tier 1 reading instruction related to the B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts. Participants gained knowledge of the five core components of the Practice Profile—Explicit Instruction, Systematic Instruction, Scaffolded Instruction, Corrective Feedback, and Differentiated Instruction—to build a foundation for implementing these components and delivering highly effective instructional practices.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Heidi Walker, Reading Specialist, Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education
- Monica Reeves, Reading Specialist, Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education
IDEA-Funded State Projects to Help Your Students with Disabilities
This presentation focused on IDEA-funded state projects that support outcomes for students with disabilities, who comprise 15% of Florida’s student population. Participants learned about the projects available to all Florida local educational agencies at no cost, including technical assistance, information for families, and professional learning for educators.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Patricia Bodiford, Senior Educational Program Director: Instructional Support Services, Florida Department of Education
Launch Year Training
This workshop, hosted by the Charter Support Unit, was designed to equip new charter school leaders with essential skills for a successful launch. Participants gained insights into governance, compliance, marketing, financial management, and more, ensuring their schools opened and thrived. This session provided valuable guidance to help turn vision into reality.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Dana Vignale, Charter Support Manager, Florida Charter Institute
- Christine Mentis, Director of Governance Program, Charter Support Unit
- Linda Chambers, Charter Support Project Manager, Florida Charter Institute
Leadership and Classical Education
This presentation addressed four challenges unique to leading a classical school. It emphasized the importance of knowledge in ethics, will, justice, and oratory for confident leadership. The session outlined how these challenges function and explored optimal strategies to rise and meet them.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Helen Hayes, Consultant, Collaborative Educational Network
Mastering Mathematics: Transformative Coaching Conversations
In this presentation, participants were equipped with best practices for supporting the learning and teaching of the B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics, including the Mathematics Formula for Success. The session also included discussions and the sharing of effective coaching strategies.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Natalie Alday, 6-8 Mathematics Specialist, Office of Mathematics and Sciences, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
More Than Mozart: Essential Features (and Benefits) of Classical Education
This presentation examined the growing classical education movement and explored the essential elements of this educational tradition, which is both philosophical and practical, humane as well as technical. The Flagler College Institute for Classical Education discussed its mission, programming, and professional development opportunities available for schools interested in liberal arts and classical education. The session also encouraged participants to reflect on what they had heard about classical education and consider the work of today’s leading practitioners.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Robert Jackson, Senior Fellow, Institute for Classical Education, Flagler College and Classical Commons
- Brad Rowe, Director, Flagler College Institute for Classical Education
My Florida Schools Online Portal
This presentation highlighted the My Florida Schools online portal, which enables parents and families to choose the best Early Learning and education options for their student(s). The session demonstrated how this digital platform assists with finding schools and providers within geographic proximity and filtering options based on student needs. It also informed schools about updating their online profiles and showed users how to navigate the system effectively.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Shawna Reid, Executive Director, Data Systens, Florida Department of Education
Office of Safe Schools and HB 1473: Office of Safe Schools Update and Compliance Trends
This presentation provided updates from the Office of Safe Schools and included a discussion of common safety-related issues discovered during compliance inspections.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Darren Norris, Vice Chancellor, Office of Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education
Overcoming Industry Transformational Challenges in Education
This session explored how the expansion of school choice initiatives requires a new approach to acquiring and retaining the diverse human capital disciplines needed to meet or exceed the changing needs of customers while maintaining a positive financial footing. Participants examined how school choice initiatives empower parents to select the best educational settings for their children, creating a customer-driven market with diverse educational system options.
The session highlighted how this climate fosters innovation and efficiency in education, emphasizing the importance of optimizing systems and focusing on C.V.O.s (“Customer Value Outcomes”).
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Jose Suarez, Co-Founder C.E.O. & Security Director, HOPE Youth Ranch, Inc.
Parentally Placed Private School Students
This presentation guided public and private school representatives on their responsibilities for parentally placed private school students under IDEA. Topics from the FDOE TAP included child find obligations, service plans vs. IEPs, and proportionate share funding. Participants learned best practices for collaborating with private schools and parents while addressing emerging compliance issues and exploring dispute resolution options.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Alice Schmitges, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education
- Patricia Bodiford, Senior Educational Program Director: Instructional Support Services, Florida Department of Education
Pathway to the Education Profession: Teacher Apprenticeship Program
In this presentation, participants left with resources and information on how to create a partnership to establish a teacher apprenticeship program. In addition to school districts and charter schools, charter management organizations could now partner with a state-approved initial teacher preparation program to offer the apprenticeship pathway. Participants learned about the program and how to apply to the Department, as well as best practices and lessons learned from state-approved programs launching in the 2024-25 year.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Marsha Dixon, FDOE
Pathways to Professional Learning: Meeting the Needs of Life-Long Learners
This presentation demonstrated how to utilize Professional Learning Pathways to attract and retain top talent. It highlighted the importance of making learning personal by offering multiple Pathways to support educators’ professional growth goals. These Pathways encompassed proven strategies that have impacted student achievement and teacher effectiveness in hundreds of classrooms across the state. The session showcased how Pathways are customizable, asynchronous, online, and accessible anytime, anywhere. Attendees learned how Professional Learning Communities can become vibrant hubs of innovation through targeted Pathways.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Julie Alm, Director of Educator Preparation, Noble Education Initiative
- Leslie Lee, Dean of the College of Education, Miami Regional University
- Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director, Florida Charter School Alliance
Policies, Procedures, and Peace of Mind
Having well-thought-out policies and procedures is critical to running a successful school. This presentation focused on ways to ensure a proactive approach rather than a reactive one in developing smart policies that make sense for the specific needs of your school.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kris Newman-Lake, Principal & CEO, Cypress Junction Montessori
- Braxton Padgett, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm, Florida School Attorneys
- Emily Rodriguez, Associate, Arnold Law Firm, Florida School Attorneys
Private School Security: School Hardening and Safety Best Practices
This presentation provided private schools with information on securing their campuses, including current best practices for overall school safety.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Jenilyn Wilson, Director of Statewide Compliance, Office of Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education
Schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE): A Winning Strategy for Students
This presentation explored the impact of career and technical education (CTE) on students, families, and communities. Attendees learned how several Florida schools leveraged quality CTE programs to prepare students for careers and further education, helping to transform their futures.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kevin O'Farrell, Chancellor, Division of Career and Adult Education, Florida Department of Education
Social Studies Standards Revisions and Course Updates
In this presentation, participants were immersed in the newest social studies standards. The session prepared attendees for the implementation of new and revised social studies standards across several content areas. Participants deepened their knowledge of the standards adoption and implementation process.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Timothy MacGregor, Director, Office of Social Studies and the Arts, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
Supports for English Language Learners to Maximize Outcomes
This presentation focused on support for ELLs, including the use of the English Language Development (ELD) Standards to enhance classroom practices and parent engagement in the educational process.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Dustin Sims, Lead State Executive Director, School Improvement, Florida Department of Education
- Raydel Hernandez, Chief, Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition, Florida Department of Education
Teaching and Leading Best Practice with the Florida Charter Institute
The Teaching, Learning, and Leadership wing at the Florida Charter Institute (FCI) shared instructional best practices with practitioners across the state. In this “frame within a frame” presentation, FCI founders presented research-backed strategies for leading student discourse while also modeling best-in-class facilitation of adult learning. Participants had the opportunity to observe and reflect on both elements and learned how to get involved in FCI’s mission to elevate all aspects of Florida’s charter sector.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kathryn Perkins, EDD Teaching, Learning and Leadership, Florida Charter Institute
- Paul Powell, Director, Florida Charter Institute
- Susie Miller Carello, Executive Director, Florida Charter Institute
The Office of Professional Practices Services Reporting
In this presentation, participants gained a better understanding of who and what should be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. The session covered the contents of reporting packets, the importance of timeliness in reporting, and how to avoid reporting errors. It also helped build awareness on supporting staff by reviewing recent cases and explored the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida. Participants received updates about the background screening clearinghouse maintained by the Agency for Health Care Administration and a timeline for its implementation.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Randy Kosec, Chief, Office of Professional Practices Services, Florida Department of Education
The Power of Parent Engagement
This presentation highlighted how parent advocates can help improve programs. It reviewed effective tactics for training, engaging, and mobilizing parents. Attendees also had opportunities for collaboration and engagement during the session.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Lauren May, Director of Advocacy, Step Up For Students
The Risks of Not Evaluating Your Charter School
In this presentation, attendees delved into the critical importance of evaluating the performance of charter schools and the inherent risks of neglecting this essential practice. Participants left with a research-based school assessment tool and a simple framework to improve their school’s performance.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Tom Miller, Author + Charter School Strategist, Leaders Building Leaders
The Use of Federal Educational Program Funding to Serve Charter and Private School Students
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Matthew L. Wiley, Director, Title I, Part A & Title V, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs, Florida Department of Education
Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the CSP Grant Process
This engaging session provided an overview by the Charter School Program (CSP) team, which delved into the CSP Grant managed by the Florida Department of Education. Attendees gained insights into the grant application process, participated in an interactive budget exercise, and reviewed key grant requirements and standards.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Chasity Ingram, CSP Budget Analyst, Florida Department of Education
- Horace Taylor, CSP Budget Analyst, Florida Department of Education
- Nicolle Leider, Director, CSP Grant, Florida Department of Education
Unlocking Success: B.E.S.T. Practices for Mathematics Interventions
This presentation equipped participants with best practices for providing mathematics interventions for students identified with substantial deficiencies in early mathematics skills in Voluntary Prekindergarten Educational Programs (VPK) and Grades K-4. Participants also learned about the latest resources available from the Department to support teachers, parents, and students in mathematics.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Courtney Starling, Director, Office of Mathematics and Sciences, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
- Barbie Hartsfield, K-5 Mathematics Specialist, Office of Mathematics and Sciences, Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Standards and Instructional
Using the Indicators of Distress Survey Tool for Charter School Success
This session taught participants how to use the Florida Charter Institute’s (FCI) online survey tool, based on the National Charter School Resource Center’s Indicators of Distress, to monitor their charter school’s health. The presentation covered setting up surveys, interpreting results, and accessing resources to proactively address potential issues.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Christine Mentis, Director of Governance Program, Charter Support Unit
- Curtis Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, Florida Charter Institute
What is My Job as a Board Member?
This interactive presentation studied multiple real charter school scenarios where the lines between governance and management were blurred. It shared best practices on how boards can effectively govern schools, build strong relationships, minimize risk, and create an environment of trust and verification without crossing the line between management and governance.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Tom Miller, Author + Charter School Strategist, Leaders Building Leaders
What Schools Need to Know: Essential Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Student Services Requirements for Charter Schools
This presentation shared how schools can maintain ESE compliance through their practices, policies, and procedures and addressed emerging concerns stemming from state complaint data and due process-ordered actions in ESE.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Alice Schmitges, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education
What Your Authorizer Is Looking For In A Quality Application
This session provided insights into what authorizers look for in charter school applications. Participants explored key areas such as governance, legal compliance, and financial planning. The presentation addressed common pitfalls and offered tips for crafting a compelling, compliant application, making it an essential resource for new charter operators.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Susie Miller Carello, Executive Director, Florida Charter Institute
- Curtis Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, Florida Charter Institute
- Christy Noe, EDD Authorization, Florida Charter Institute
Why We Should Be Talking about Florida
The Florida Charter Institute unveiled achievement and innovation headlines from the nation’s top education state and provided a deep dive into student outcomes that make Florida the state to watch. The presentation also offered insight into the concrete practices driving Florida’s impressive achievements.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Kathryn Perkins, EDD Teaching, Learning and Leadership, Florida Charter Institute
- Robert Pondiscio, Fellow, Florida Charter Institute
- Paul Powell, Director, Florida Charter Institute
- Jeff Wasbes, Founder, DynEval Solutions, LLC
Working Towards High School Diplomas
This presentation addressed the challenges of students choosing work over education, leading to high negative withdrawal rates and impacting graduation rates. It highlighted the benefits of a pre-college schedule at the high school level, enabling students to attend school, improve their GPA, and earn credits while working. Attendees participated in an activity designed to encourage broader thinking and innovative approaches. The session also provided strategies for engaging traditional schools and businesses to support struggling students in achieving success.
- Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
- Presenter(s):
- Darryl Blackall, Principal, Workforce Advantage Academy
- W. Carl Merrell, Chief of Staff, Workforce Advantage Academy
- Kenneth Hartsaw, CEO/Founder, Workforce Advantage Academy