Resource Library

Jenilyn Wilson, Director of Statewide Compliance at the Office of Safe Schools, Florida Department of Education, presented on school hardening and safety best practices for private schools. The presentation emphasized the importance of safety and security compliance and best practices.

The presentation highlighted that the Office of Safe Schools was created in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. Several legislative measures were enacted to enhance school safety, including requirements for drills, threat assessments, and most notably, House Bill 1473, which mandates secured access to classrooms and buildings.

The presentation also discussed the Guardian program, which allows private schools to participate and receive training from the sheriff's office. The program involves 144 hours of training, including 80 hours of firearms training.

The presentation emphasized best practices for securing school campuses, including perimeter security, main entrance security, classroom security, training, threat management, and knowing resources.

Key takeaways for attendees included understanding the legislation and implementing safety protocols such as securing doors and gates, marking safe areas in classrooms, and having a single point of entry. It also encouraged collaboration with local law enforcement and participation in the Guardian program.

This presentation, "Schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE): A Winning Strategy for Students," by Kevin O'Farrell, Chancellor of the Division of Career and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education, explores the transformative impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs on students, families, and communities. The session begins with O'Farrell highlighting the importance of CTE in preparing students for success in the workforce and providing them with the skills and knowledge needed for in-demand careers.

The presentation then delves into the various benefits of CTE, including increased graduation rates, higher earning potential, and reduced student loan debt. O'Farrell emphasizes the importance of partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations to create effective CTE programs that align with industry needs.

The presentation also showcases examples of successful CTE programs in Florida schools, including Slam Boca Raton, Korea Korean Collegiate Academy, and South Tech Schools. These schools have implemented innovative CTE programs that provide students with hands-on learning experiences, industry certifications, and pathways to high-demand careers.

O'Farrell discusses the funding opportunities available to support CTE programs, such as the Workforce Capitalization Grant, which provides resources for equipment, facility renovations, and program expansion. He also highlights the importance of engaging students in career exploration and planning at an early age through tools like Zello, a free online platform that connects students with career pathways and educational opportunities.

The presentation concludes with a call to action for schools and communities to invest in CTE and create a strong talent pipeline to meet the needs of Florida's growing economy. O'Farrell emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.

Overall, the presentation provides a compelling overview of the benefits of CTE and its potential to transform the lives of students and communities. It highlights the importance of partnerships, funding opportunities, and early career exploration to create a robust CTE ecosystem that prepares students for success in high-demand fields.

This presentation, "Social Studies Standards Revisions and Course Updates," by Timothy McGregor, Director of Social Studies and the Arts at the Florida Department of Education, provides an in-depth look at the latest revisions and updates to Florida's social studies standards. The session begins with McGregor introducing the regional civics team and their role in supporting the implementation of civics standards across the state.

The presentation then highlights a new website dedicated to supporting civics education in Florida, civicsliteracy.org, which contains all K-12 civics education standards and benchmarks, along with resources and lesson plans. McGregor also introduces the Florida Civic Seal of Excellence endorsement course, a 55-hour professional learning opportunity centered on civics education.

The presentation also discusses recent legislation impacting social studies education, including House Bill 1537, which requires the teaching of Asian American and Pacific Islander history and 9/11 Heroes Day. McGregor also highlights Senate Bill 1264, which mandates the teaching of the history of communism.

The presentation then shifts to updates for grades 9-12, including the new graduation requirement for financial literacy and the work of the Commissioner of Education's African American History Task Force and Task Force on Holocaust Education. McGregor emphasizes the importance of promoting these critical aspects of social studies education.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of the process for revising and implementing new social studies standards, including the role of workgroups, public comment, and the State Board of Education. McGregor encourages attendees to stay informed and participate in the process to ensure high-quality social studies education for all Florida students.

Key takeaways for attendees include:

• An understanding of the newest social studies standards and course updates.
• Awareness of the resources and support available for implementing the standards.
• Knowledge of the standards adoption and implementation process.
• A deeper understanding of the importance of civics education, African American history, and Holocaust education in Florida.

This session, presented by Kathryn Perkins, Paul Powell, and Susie Miller Carello from the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), offers a unique "frame within a frame" experience, showcasing instructional best practices for both student and adult learning.

The session begins by highlighting the FCI's mission to disseminate best practices in teaching and leadership across Florida's charter schools. The presenters introduce the concept of "positive outliers" – schools that achieve exceptional results despite facing challenges like poverty. By studying these outliers, FCI identifies and codifies the key levers that drive their success.

The session then dives into a practical demonstration of effective classroom discourse. Participants observe two video clips of teachers leading discussions in math classes. Kathryn Perkins facilitates a reflective discussion, prompting participants to analyze the teachers' techniques and identify the key elements that contribute to successful student engagement and learning.

Through these video observations and guided discussions, participants gain insights into several key takeaways:

• The importance of establishing routines and clear expectations for classroom discussions.
• The power of using student work as a springboard for discussion, encouraging students to analyze and evaluate each other's thinking.
• The effectiveness of open-ended questions and prompts that encourage students to explain their reasoning and problem-solving strategies.
• The importance of teacher facilitation and withholding answers to encourage student ownership of the learning process.

The session concludes with a discussion of how these principles can be applied to adult learning and professional development within schools. Participants are encouraged to identify concrete takeaways and action steps they can implement in their own classrooms and schools.

This presentation provides a valuable model for effective professional development, demonstrating how to engage teachers in meaningful reflection and skill-building. It also highlights the FCI's commitment to supporting and elevating the quality of education in Florida's charter schools.

This session, presented by Randy Kosec, Chief of the Office of Professional Practices Services at the Florida Department of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of the reporting requirements for certified educators in Florida schools.

The session begins by outlining the legal obligations of schools to report misconduct by certified educators, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate reporting. Kosec highlights the specific types of misconduct that must be reported, including those related to fraud, child abuse, test security violations, and violations of student safety.

Kosec provides detailed guidance on what to include in reporting packets, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation and evidence. He also discusses the disqualification list, which prohibits individuals convicted of certain offenses from employment in any school setting.

The session also covers recent changes in background screening procedures, including the transition to a new clearinghouse maintained by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Kosec outlines the timeline for implementation and discusses the implications for schools and educators.

Throughout the session, Kosec provides practical advice and answers questions from the audience, addressing common concerns and challenges related to reporting and background screening procedures. This session is a valuable resource for school administrators, human resource personnel, and anyone involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of students in Florida schools.

This presentation, "The Risks of Not Evaluating Your Charter School," by Tom Miller, Author and Charter School Strategist at Leaders Building Leaders, emphasizes the critical importance of evaluating charter school performance and the risks associated with neglecting this practice. The presentation begins with an analogy of measuring success through steps taken versus calories consumed, highlighting the importance of measuring the right metrics.

The presentation then delves into the risks of not evaluating a school, including financial loss, reputational damage, and potential closure. It cites statistics showing that 40% of schools that close do so after year ten, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement. The presenter introduces a tool called the "Wheel of Success" to help schools define and measure excellence across ten key indicators.

The presentation also discusses common problems that can arise if schools don't have proper evaluation measures in place, such as a lack of focus, inconsistent data, and missed opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing these problems before they become critical.

The presentation concludes by highlighting the importance of involving all stakeholders in the evaluation process and using data to inform decision-making. The presenter encourages attendees to take the "Wheel of Success" assessment and use it as a tool for continuous improvement.

Key takeaways for attendees include:

• Understanding the risks of not evaluating school performance.
• Defining and measuring excellence across key indicators.
• Identifying and addressing common problems before they become critical.
• Using data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

This session, presented by Matthew L. Wiley, Director of Title I, Part A & Title V, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs at the Florida Department of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of federal funding for charter schools, charter school LEAs, and private schools.

The presentation begins by differentiating between charter schools that operate as charter LEAs and those that operate under an LEA sponsor. Charter LEAs assume all the responsibilities of an LEA, including compliance with federal laws and regulations, while LEA-sponsored charter schools receive support and oversight from their sponsoring LEA.

The session then delves into the application process for federal funds, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection and reporting. Matthew Wiley highlights the flexibility provided to charter schools and LEAs in projecting enrollment and poverty data, particularly for newly opened or significantly expanded schools.

The presentation also covers program implementation, including tracking expenditures, budget periods, and the amendment process. Matthew Wiley provides a detailed explanation of the monitoring process, including risk assessments, desktop and onsite monitoring, and self-certification.

Finally, the session addresses equitable services for non-profit private schools under Title I. Matthew Wiley discusses the consultation process between LEAs and private schools, the determination of eligible students, and the calculation of the proportion of funds allocated for private school services.

The presentation concludes with a Q&A session, offering further clarification on key topics and addressing specific questions from the audience. This session is a valuable resource for charter school leaders, private school officials, and anyone involved in the management and implementation of federal education programs.

This session, presented by the Charter School Program (CSP) team from the Florida Department of Education, provides a comprehensive guide to the CSP grant process, aiming to equip both current and prospective subrecipients with the knowledge and tools to effectively utilize grant funds.

The session begins with an overview of the CSP grant, its purpose, eligibility criteria, and the application process. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to the Florida Department of Education, is intended to support the planning, design, and initial implementation of new, high-quality charter schools.

A key focus of the presentation is the budget process, with an interactive exercise designed to help participants understand the nuances of allowable and unallowable costs. The presenters emphasize the importance of aligning budget requests with the school's mission, vision, and startup needs, ensuring that all expenditures are necessary, reasonable, and allowable under the grant guidelines.

The session also delves into the post-award phase, highlighting key requirements and common issues encountered by subrecipients. This includes a detailed discussion on important documentation, such as board policies, conflict of interest policies, and inventory control procedures, emphasizing the importance of compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Real-world examples and practical tips are shared throughout the session, drawing on the presenters' experiences in reviewing grant applications and conducting site visits. This includes guidance on navigating the online portal for document submission and reimbursement requests, as well as strategies for effective communication and collaboration with the CSP team.

The presentation concludes with a Q&A session, offering further clarification on specific questions and concerns raised by participants. This session serves as a valuable resource for any charter school seeking to understand and navigate the CSP grant process successfully.

This session, presented by Courtney Starling and Barbie Hartsfield from the Florida Department of Education's Office of Mathematics and Sciences, provides valuable insights into best practices for supporting students with mathematics deficiencies.

The presenters begin by exploring the legal framework for mathematics interventions, focusing on House Bill 7039 and Senate Bill 7004. These bills outline the requirements for identifying and supporting students with substantial deficiencies in mathematics, including those with dyscalculia.

The session then delves into the specifics of providing effective interventions. The presenters emphasize that interventions should be explicit and systematic, tailored to the student's specific needs, and delivered by a highly qualified teacher or trained tutor.

A key takeaway is the importance of ongoing monitoring and data analysis to inform instructional decisions. The presenters stress the need to use multiple data points, including diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, to track student progress and adjust interventions accordingly.

The session also highlights the importance of parental communication and collaboration. Schools are required to notify parents immediately when a student is identified with a substantial deficiency and provide them with a progress monitoring plan that outlines the interventions and supports being provided.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of available resources, including a forthcoming portal with teacher and parent resources, and a call for ongoing feedback and collaboration between schools and the Department of Education. This session provides practical guidance and valuable insights for educators seeking to improve mathematics outcomes for all students.

This session, presented by Alice Schmitges, Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at the Florida Department of Education, provides crucial guidance for charter schools on maintaining compliance with ESE regulations and addressing emerging concerns in the field.

The presentation begins with an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, emphasizing the importance of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students with disabilities. Schmitges highlights the rights and protections afforded to these students and their parents, including the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that meets their unique needs.

Schmitges then delves into the specific requirements for charter schools, emphasizing that they must adhere to the same standards as traditional public schools. She discusses the concept of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and the importance of providing services in inclusive settings to the maximum extent appropriate.

A significant portion of the presentation focuses on real-world scenarios and challenges faced by charter schools in serving students with disabilities. Schmitges addresses common issues such as IEP development and implementation, data tracking, and collaboration with parents and districts. She provides practical advice and solutions, drawing on her own experiences and expertise in special education.

The session also covers state complaint data and due process-ordered actions, highlighting areas where schools may encounter difficulties. Schmitges discusses potential findings of non-compliance, including failure to provide FAPE, implement IEPs effectively, or conduct proper evaluations. She emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation, staff training, and adherence to policies and procedures to avoid such issues.

The presentation concludes with a Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification and guidance on specific concerns. Schmitges provides valuable insights and resources, including information on the Special Ed Connections website, a subscription service offered by the department to support schools in understanding and implementing ESE regulations.

This presentation, "What Your Authorizer Is Looking For In A Quality Application," by Susie Miller Carello, Curtis Fuller, and Christy Noe from the Florida Charter Institute, provides a comprehensive guide for those interested in submitting a charter school application. The session begins with an overview of the application process, including the different submission options and the importance of understanding the applicable laws. The presenters emphasize the need for thorough planning, realistic timelines, and a clear understanding of the evaluation criteria.

The presentation then delves into the specifics of each section of the application. The presenters highlight common pitfalls and offer tips on crafting a compelling and compliant application. They emphasize the importance of internal consistency, clear language, and a student-centered focus throughout the application.

The session also addresses key areas such as governance, staffing, curriculum, student performance, and financial planning. The presenters offer insights into what authorizers look for in each of these areas and provide guidance on how to demonstrate capacity and expertise.

The presentation concludes with a discussion of the capacity interview and the importance of demonstrating the strengths of the leadership team and governing board. The presenters emphasize the need for all members of the team to understand and articulate the content of the application.

Key takeaways for attendees include:

• Thoroughly plan and develop a realistic timeline for writing the application.
• Start with an outline and ensure internal consistency throughout the application.
• Use clear language, be specific, and focus on the needs of the students.
• Develop a strong governance structure and demonstrate financial capacity.
• Prepare for the capacity interview and ensure all team members can articulate the application's content.

This presentation, "Why We Should Be Talking about Florida," by Kathryn Perkins, Robert Pondiscio, Paul Powell, and Jeff Wasbes from the Florida Charter Institute, showcases Florida's impressive student achievement data and explores the factors contributing to its success. The session begins by highlighting Florida's outlier status in bucking national trends of declining student achievement, particularly in fourth-grade reading, where it ranks third nationally.

The presenters delve into the potential causes for Florida's success, emphasizing the state's long-standing focus on early literacy and consistent investment in a culture of accountability. They also highlight the role of choice and competition in driving improved outcomes, suggesting that Florida's robust school choice landscape has incentivized schools to raise their game.

The presentation also sparks a discussion on the importance of knowledge-building in literacy instruction, drawing on the work of experts like E.D. Hirsch and Natalie Wexler. The presenters argue that reading comprehension is not a transferable skill but rather an effect of knowledge and vocabulary, emphasizing the need for a rich and coherent curriculum that builds background knowledge across subjects.

The session also addresses concerns about over-testing and the potential for accountability measures to stifle teacher autonomy and creativity. The presenters acknowledge these concerns while emphasizing the importance of using assessments as tools for improvement rather than weapons for compliance.

The presentation concludes by highlighting the need for continued research and analysis to better understand the factors driving Florida's success and to identify areas for continued growth. The presenters also emphasize the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators and policymakers to ensure that all students in Florida have access to a high-quality education.

Key takeaways for attendees include:

• Florida's student achievement data tells a compelling story of success, particularly in early literacy.
• A focus on knowledge-building and a culture of accountability are likely contributors to Florida's strong performance.
• Choice and competition can play a positive role in driving school improvement.
• Assessments should be used as tools for improvement, not weapons for compliance.
• Continued research and collaboration are essential for sustaining and building on Florida's success.