PUB. 11 2021-2022 Issue 1

11 sincerely hope that you’ll join us, not just in providing unique learning opportunities, but in leading all of Utah’s schools to become better. A comprehensive review is a requirement for all SCSB schools. State code explains that charter schools need to be evaluated every five years. We are so excited to get to engage in this process with you during this coming year. The pandemic made it very difficult to conduct these reviews, or to gather data, but it was provided a good opportunity to refine the comprehensive review process. This review has taken several different forms over the years, but we are excited about the adjustments that we have made this year. First, we started by creating a rubric for each of the standings. The rubric is currently available on our website. ( See QR Code at the end of the article. ) One of the challenges we wanted to address was the uniqueness of each of Utah’s charter schools. It is difficult — and in some cases impossible — to compare two schools that might serve different grades or have different models. Our aim in this refining process was to write the expectations that would be general enough to apply to each school — regardless of model, and so as many schools as possible would be considered in Good Standing. tinyurl.com/yud84bzm Our second aim in refining the process was to take as much work off your shoulders as possible. We didn’t want you to have to compile lots of information. As long as your board meetings are uploaded and complete, and you’re getting your other reports done on time, we are going to be able to prioritize that information. In some cases, there might be additional information that is needed, but we foresee that being rare. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the excellent work you’ve done over the past five years, and to strategically plan for the next five. We’re looking forward to starting these reviews with several schools this month, and nearly 30 LEAs over the next year. Please feel free to reach out to your portfolio manager if you have any questions. Comprehensive Review At-a-Glance NOTIFICATION ONLINE REVIEW SCHOOL COMPARISON SITE VISIT DECISION SCSB sends letter notifying the school of the Comprehensive Review with members of the review committee (portfolio manager, financial manager, and SCSB staff), the date the review begins, and site visit date. Review committee will gather publicly available information from your website and the Public Meeting Notice website. If more information is needed, your portfolio manager will contact you. You will be shown a list of schools you will be compared to. You can ask questions or share concerns with your portfolio manager. Your portfolio manager will schedule the site visit. The school director, board chair, and business manager are invited to this meeting. This will be an opportunity to share the great things your school is doing as well as discuss any challenges you are facing. The decision from the review committee on your school’s standing will be placed on consent for the SCSB to consider and vote on at one of their monthly board meetings.