Generation Three Open-Enrollment Charter Renewal Application Standard Renewal. Application Due June Texas Education Agency

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1 CHARTER SCHOOL NAME 0" - COUNTY-DISTRICT # I() l ~\ S :.rtf t> 11 dr FVI'" J-, e Generation Three Open-Enrollment Charter Renewal Application Standard Renewal Application Due June ST CENTURY ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY OF BEAUMONT ACADEMY OF CAREERS AND TECHNOLOGIES CHARTER SCH ALPHONSO CRUTCH'S LlFE SUPPORT CENTER AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE CHARTER SCHOOL AMIGOS POR VIDA FRIENDS FOR LIFE CHARTER SCHOOL BRAZOS SCHOOL FOR INQUIRY & CREATIVITY CAREER PLUS LEARNING ACADEMY COMQUEST ACADEMY CROSSROADS COMMUNITY ED CTR CHARTER SCHOOL DALLAS COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE EAGLE PROJECT (ABILENE) EAGLE PROJECT (BEAUMONT) EAGLE PROJECT (BROWNSVILLE) EAGLE PROJECT (BRYAN) EAGLE PROJECT (DALLAS) EAGLE PROJECT (DEL RIO) EAGLE PROJECT (FT WORTH) EAGLE PROJECT (LAREDO II) EAGLE PROJECT (LUBBOCK) EAGLE PROJECT (MIDLAND) EAGLE PROJECT (PHARR.MCALLEN) EAGLE PROJECT (SAN ANTONIO) EAGLE PROJECT (TEXARKANA) EAGLE PROJECT (TYLER) EAGLE PROJECT (WACO) ERATH EXCELS ACADEMY INC FOCUS LEARNING ACADEMY FORT WORTH CAN ACADEMY FRUIT OF EXCELLENCE GEORGE I SANCHEZ CHARTER HS SAN ANTONIO GULF SHORES ACADEMY HONORS ACADEMY HOUSTON GATEWAY ACADEMY, INC. HOUSTON HEIGHTS LEARNING ACADEMY JAMIE'S HOUSE CHARTER SCHOOL KATHERINE ANNE PORTER SCHOOL KENNY DORHAM SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING MCCULLOUGH ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE MIDLAND ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL OAK CLlFF ACADEMY RANCH ACADEMY SAN ANTONIO CAN! HIGH SCHOOL SAN ANTONIO SCHOOL FOR INQUIRY & CREATIVITY SHEKINAH RADIANCE ACADEMY SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL TEKOA ACADEMY OF ACCELERATED STUDIES TOVAS TACTILE ORAL VISUAL ALTERNATIVE WA SET PREPARATOY ACADEMY {OJ ~ (G IE ~ \YJ IE (R) Texas Education Agency U-U/ JUN 30 William B. Travis Building 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, Texas Charter SchOOls Dated Material---Open Immediately Return on or before-5:00 p.m., Central Time Tuesday, June 30, 2003 Charter Schools Division Room 5-107

2 Application Instructions The Renewal Application is due to TEA/Charter Schools Division by 5:00 pm, June 30, Timely submission ofa complete renewal application will be used as part ofthe basis for renewal determination. After the application is reviewed by internal reviewers at the agency, applicants may be required to submit follow-up information to clarify or complete the original application. Applicants have five working days after being contacted to submit any follow-up information unless a longer period oftime is specified by the reviewer. After that point, the application will not be considered timely and sufficient. The application form has been designed to be downloaded and responses can be entered directly onto the electronic application form on your computer. The spaces provided for answering questions are expandable. Use as much space as needed for responses. Attachments should be labeled as indicated in the application and submitted in prescribed order. The forms for Attachment 3, Board Member Biographical Affidavit and Attachment 6, Electronic Application Certification are included with the application. Seven complete paper copies ofthe entire document must be submitted in prescribed order with only original signatures in blue ink. One copy (less attachments) must also be submitted on a 3.5 inch floppy diskette. (The agency uses a PC compatible text file.) Format ofapplication Number ofpaper copies: 7 Font: 12 pi.; Times New Roman Paper: 8.5"xI1.0", white, one side only Binding: NONE! DO NOT BIND May be rubber-banded or clipped List ofattachments Attachment I, Organizational Chart Attachment 2, Criminal History Records for Board Members Attachment 3, Board Member Biographical Affidavits Attachment 4, Documentation for Evaluation ofother Information Relevant to Performance Attachment 5, Special N eedslprograms Information Request Attachment 6, Electronic Application Certification Attachment 7, Written Resolution Adopted by Governing Body ofcharter Holder 2

3 Definitions Please review TEC and 19 TAC Chapter for definitions oftenns. Listed below are some selected terms and defmitions: 1. Charter holder - the entity to which a charter is granted under TEC, Chapter Charter schoo/- a Texas public school operated by a charter holder under an open-enrollment charter granted by the State Board of Education pursuant to TEC, 12.l01 3. Governing body ofa charter holder - the board ofdirectors, board of trustees, or other governing body ofa charter holder 4. Governing body ofan open-enrollment charter school- the board of directors, or other governing body of an openenrollment charter school. The term includes the governing body of a charter holder if that body acts as the governing body of the open-enrollment charter school 5. Management company - a person, other than a charter holder, who provides management services for an openenrollment charter school 6. Officer ofan open-enrollment charter school- the principal, director, or other chief operating officer of an openenrollment charter school; an assistant principal or assistant director of an open-enrollment charter school; or a person charged with managing the finances ofan open-enrollment charter school 3

4 General Scope of Agency Review As authorized in Texas Education Code , the commissioner may modify, place on probation, revoke or deny renewal of the charter of an open-enrollment charter school ifthe commissioner determines that the charter holder: I) committed a material violation of the charter; including failure to satisfy accountability provisions prescribed by the charter; 2) failed to satisfy generally accepted accounting standards offiscal management; 3) failed to protect the health, safety, or welfare ofthe students enrolled at the school; or 4) failed to comply with this subchapter or another applicable law or rule. The Commissioner's Rules Concerning Open-Enrollment Charter Schools, 19 TAC, Chapter 100, provides more specific information about commissioner action and intervention and other issues concerning open-enrollment charter schools. Internal reviews for all renewal applications will be conducted by TEA staff in areas such as student performance, business and financial management, and compliance. Components for determining adequate student performance generally include accountability ratings, AEIS indicators, and other relevant student performance information, as reported by the charter school on this application and as supported by required evidence and documentation. Components for evaluating business andfinancial management generally consist ofa review by the Financial Audits Division of annual financial audits and other relevant documents. Agency compliance requirernents that may be generally considered include, but are not limited to, timely and accurate submission of grant expenditures and evaluations, PEIMS reports, accountability/accreditation information (including data requested prior to on-site visits, and follow-up information such as corrective action plans for bilingual and special education programs and PASIDAS risk levels), assessment requests (including requests for and submission oftesting materials), other special education information, governance data, student transfer data required by Civil Action 5281, and the renewal application. Complaints made against the charter school through the Agency complaints process may also be considered, as well as any issues concerning the health, safety, and welfare ofstudents. 4

5 JAN :42 FR AMIGOS POR VIDA TO Open-Enrollment Charter School Renewal Application Generation Two - Standard l I Part 1. Charter Update./ " I Charter Holder Name: Amigos Por Vida-Friends For Life Housing and Education Corporation, Inc. (i,e., nonprofit organization, institution of higber learning, or governmental.ntity) Cbarter School Name: Amigo. POl' Vida-Friends For Life Public Charter School (APV-FFL PCS) I I Campus Name(s) i CounlylDistrictlCampus # I Charter School CountylDistricl #: 10\-819 Amigos POI' Vida-F riends For Li.. - I , I -- I,i I, -. I I I, I, II, ii i I I I I I I I, I I I I Section I. Maximum Enrollment, Grades Apllroved. and Geographic Boundaries In the spaces below, please Itst the maximum enrollment, the grades the 'charter school is approved to ser...e (indicating if there is an approved GED program), and the geographic boundaries. A. MaximulD Enrollment: 1100 B. Grades Approved to Served:. PK3-12 Approved GED Program: YES 0 NO 181 't\~'t I I I I I, I, C. Geograpbic Boundaries (all school districts witbin geographic boudda 'CS):\ District. _"',,' ~e)\! QO\S School ** TOTAL PAGE. 02 **'--'

6 Section II. Governance Structure and Procedures Review TEe. Sec and 19 TAC Chapter 100, Division 5 (Charter School Governance), which lists, among other things, powers and duties that must be exercised by the governing body ofthe charter holder, and nepotism and conflict of interest prohibitions and exceptions. Where indicated, list all relatives of the members of the Governing Body ofthe Charter Holder, ofthe Governing Body of the Charter School, and of the Officers ofthe Charter School within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity. These include your spouse and the following relations to you and to your spouse: parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and great-grandchildren. A. Governing Body of Charter Holder I. In the spaces below please list the names ofthe members ofthe governing body ofthe charter holder, the offices held, any board member's relative within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity (see defmition above), and any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or charter school received by the board members. Relative(s) Within the Third Degree of Consangninity or Affinity Who are Also Serving on the Board Board Member Compensation or Remuneration Per Year Rosemruy Garza Member none none Silvia Graves Vice-President none none President none none none none Joseph Vail Secretruy none OmarVelez Member none 2. Will any relative ofthe board member within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affmity (see definition above) be employed by or receive any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or the charter school? Ifyes, provide details in the space provided below. YES D NO 1:8:1 6

7 3. Will any board member's spouse or any ofthe spouse's relatives within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity (see definition on page 2) be employed by or receive any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or charter school? Ifyes, provide details in the space provided below. YES 0 NO [8J. 4. Will any person who is a relative within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity (see definition on page 2) ofa charter school officer (i.e., a person charged with the duties of, or acting as, a chiefexecutive officer, a central administrator, a campus administration officer, or a business manager) be employed by or receive any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or charter school? Ifyes, provide details in the space provided below. YES 0 NO[8J B. GoverninK Bod); of Charter School 1. If the governance structure includes more than one board (i.e., a goveming body that is separate from the governing body of the charter holder), in the spaces below please list the names of the members of the governing body of the charter school, the offices held, any relative of a board member within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity (see defmition on page 2), and any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or charter school received by the board members. Board Member Name OffieeHeld Relative(s) Within the Third Degree of Board Member Consangninity or Affinity Who are Compensation or also Serving on the Board Remuneration Per Year Not Applicable 7

8 2. Will any relative of a board member within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity (see definition on page 3) be employed by or receive any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or the charter school? Ifyes, provide details in space provided below. YES 0 NO [gi 3. Will any board member's spouse or any ofthe spouse's relatives within the third degree ofconsanguinity or affinity (see definition on page 3) be employed by or receive any compensation or remuneration from the charter holder or charter school? Ifyes, provide details in the space provided below. YES 0 NO [gi. C. Roles and Responsibilities of Governing Bodies Describe the roles and responsibilities ofboth the charter holder and charter school governing bodies. Ifthis represents a change from the governance structure currently on file with the Agency, please indicate that it is a change and describe the difference from the previous structure. The School no longer utilizes a management company to operate the school. The School has employed a CEO/Superintendent, Principal and Operations Manager to operate, manage and take care ofthe day to day activities of the School. The composition ofthe board has changed. The School has five active members ofthe community represented on the board ofdirectors. Throughout the renewal application there will be descriptions oftasks delegated by the board and/or the CEO/Superintendent, Principal and Operations Manager. This delegation has been approved by the board and its approvals ofthis renewal application. See Appendix AI: Job Descriptions for CEO/Superintendent, Principal and Operations Manager. See Appendix A2: Articles ofincorporation and Bylaws. 8

9 D. Organizational Chart, Criminal History Records, Biographical Affidavit Submit an organizational chart. Include this document as Attachment 1, Organizational Chart. Submit a criminal history record for each board member. Include these documents as Attachment 2, Criminal History Records for Board Members. Submit a biographical affidavit for each board member. Include these documents as Attachment 3, Board Member Biographical Affidavit. Section III. Teacher Qualifications In the space provided, describe the qualifications required for all classroom teachers and other instructional stsff. Ifthis represents a change from the charter application on file with the Agency or approved amendments, please indicate that it is a change and describe the difference from the previous requirement. See Appendix B: Staff. In order to meet the federal requirements for Bilingual Education, APV -FFL Public Charter School's Board of Governors has mandated that teachers be certified or are officially accepted into a Deficiency Plan, Alternative Certification Program prior to obtaining a teaching position. Paraprofessionals are required to meet or exceed the No Child Left Behind Act's mandates. Parents will be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year to state whether their child's teacher is highly qualified or not. Section IV. Code of Conduct In the space provided, describe the methods used to inform parents and students about school rules and guidelines governing student behavior. Include policies regarding student expulsion and suspension and procedures that satisfy due process requirements. See Appendix C: The methods used to inform parents and students about school rules and guidelines governing student behavior are through the Student Code of Conduct. Section V. Complaints In the space provided, describe the methods used to inform parents, students, and employees about the procedures for receiving and responding to complaints. (Note: Under 19 TAC IOl(e), the governing body of a charter holder shall not delegate final authority to hear or decide employee grievances, citizen complaints, or parental concerns.) 9

10 Amigos Por Vida-Friends for Life Public Charter School ("Amigos Por Vida" or "School") values its employees and strives to foster a productive, efficient, and collegial work atmosphere. The School recognizes, however, that sometimes a situation may occur that causes an employee concern which he or she wishes to address with the administration. Employees are encouraged to utilize all methods ofcommunication to resolve differences and seek a resolution before filing a fonnal grievance. When this course ofaction is not feasible, comfortable, or successful, the matter should be brought to the attention ofthe Superintendent/CEO. The following procedures apply to formal complaints or grievances: A grievance under this procedure includes: I) Complaint concerning an employee's wages, hours, or condition of work. 2) Specific allegations ofunlawful discrimination in employment on the basis ofsex (including allegations of sexual harassment), race, religion, national origin, age, or disability. 3) Specific allegations of unlawful discrimination or retaliation on the basis ofthe employee's exercise of constitutional rights. Formal Complaint Procedure: A formal complaint must be in writing, must identify the policy allegedly violated or the action or omission that allegedly occurred, and must be submitted within ten (10) days ofthe time the employee first knew ofor should have known ofthe event or series ofevents about which the employee is complaining. The Superintendent/CEO (which term also includes his or her designee for purposes ofthis complaint and grievance procedure) will hold a conference with the employee within ten (10) days ofreceipt ofthe written complaint. Ifthe Superintendent/CEO is unable to schedule the meeting within ten (l0) days, he or she will notify the employee ofalternative dates for availability but no later than twenty (20) days after receiving the formal written complaint. The employee is encouraged to use and submit exhibits for the Superintendent/CEO's consideration. The Superintendent/CEO is not required to hear sworn testimony from witnesses, but may choose to do so at his or her discretion. The Superintendent/CEO will determine whether the allegations warrant further investigation and give a written detennination to the employee within ten (l0) days after the conference as to whether the policy alleged was violated or whether the act or omission did occur unless the facts or initial inquiry indicate the need for further investigation. Iffurther investigation is warranted, the Superintendent/CEO will notify the employee ofthe estimated date for providing a response. In the event that an investigation detennines that an employee has violated a policy or engaged in other unlawful or improper conduct, the supervisor ofthe person about whom the complaint was lodged shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination ofemployment. Employees accused ofunlawful harassment or discrimination should be given sufficient information about allegations to provide them a reasonable opportunity to respond before any corrective action or discipline is imposed. Appeal to Board: Ifthe complainant does not believe the resolution achieved by submission to the Superintendent/CEO is adequate, the complainant may appeal the decision or action to the governing board of Amigos Por Vida ("Board"). The employee has ten (10) days after a written determination by the Superintendent/CEO to appeal to the Board by submitting a written request to the Superintendent/CEO. The Board will act as an appellate body rather than a fact-finding body, reviewing only arguments and documents provided by the employee to the Superintendent/CEO and giving weight to the Superintendent/CEO's findings. The Board will convene to review the complaint within thirty (30) days. Ifthis time period does not afford the Board adequate time to review all documents and written decisions, the Board will discuss the grievance at its next scheduled board meeting. At the Board's discretion, both the complainant and the administration may have the opportunity to present oral argument before the Board. During oral argument, the oral argument must be limited to the evidence that was before the administration when it made its decision. The Board may set reasonable limits on the time and manner in which oral arguments are made. Either or both the complainant or the administration may have a representative present the oral argument on their behalf. 10

11 The complainant has the opportunity to address the Board under the same conditions as any other member ofthe public during the hearing of citizens portion ofthe Board meeting. By law, the Board may not take action on any item brought before the Board during the hearing ofcitizens portion ofthe meeting unless the item has been posted with some specificity in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Within twenty (20) days after the meeting at which the Board heard the complainant's appeal, the Board will provide a written response to the complainant. Closed Meeting Ifthe grievance involves the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal ofthe employee bringing the grievance, it shall be heard by the Board in closed meeting unless the employee who is bringing the grievance requests that it be heard in public. However, ifthe grievance involves a complaint or charge against another employee or Board member, it shall be heard in a closed meeting unless an open hearing is requested in writing by the employee or Board member against whom the complaint or charge is brought. Freedom from Retaliation The complaining person will not be penalized in any way for reporting any matter in good faith. There will be no retaliation against any person because ofhis or her participation in the investigation of a complaint. Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination The School shall comply with and carry out its responsibility under all applicable federal and state laws and their implementing regulations including, but not limited to, Title IX ofthe Education Amendments of 1972, Title II ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Title vn ofthe Civil Rights Act; and Section 504 ofthe Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and will investigate any complaints alleging noncompliance or action prohibited in these provisions. The School will not tolerate sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination. Sexual harassment includes any welcome or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other physical or visual conduct ofa sexual nature. Specific examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, engaging in sexually oriented conversations for purposes of sexual gratification, telephoning employees at home or elsewhere to solicit inappropriate sexual relationships, visible contact that would reasonably be construed as sexual in nature, and enticing or threatening another employee to engage in sexual behavior in exchange for work or other school-related benefits. The School will not discriminate against any employee on the basis ofthat person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age in the terms and conditions ofemployment. Employees with questions or concerns about any type ofharassment or discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention oftheir immediate supervisor, the Principal, or the Superintendent/CEO. All employees ofthe School are responsible for maintaining a workplace free ofharassment and/or discrimination. An employee who believes that he or she has been the target of sexual harassment and/or unlawful discrimination should inform the School Principal immediately. In the event that the Principal is the person about whom the complaint ofsexual harassment and/or unlawful discrimination is alleged, the employee is to notify the Superintendent/CEO of the allegations. Any school employee who receives information about or has knowledge concerning sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination or conduct that may be reasonably characterized as known or suspected sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, must notify the Principal or Superintendent/CEO immediately. In addition to making an oral report or complaint, the complainant or other person with knowledge should reduce the complaint to writing. Do not assume that the School is aware of a problem. It is the responsibility of all employees to bring complaints to the School so that the School can help resolve them. Employees may make complaints about unlawful harassment or discrimination without fear ofreprisal. All reports of sexual harassment will be treated seriously and, to the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, unlawful discriminatory harassment and/or unlawful discrimination, the reviewing person or Board will consider the totality ofthe circumstances, the nature ofthe conduct of which the employee complained, and the context in which the alleged conduct or incident occurred. If it is determined that unlawful harassment or discrimination has occurred, prompt and appropriate action will be taken. 11

12 Anyone found to be : in any type or II discri and/or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including tennination of employment. In addition to the above grievance procedure, if an employee believes he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination under any federal or state nondiscrimination statute, he or she may file a fonnal complaint with either or both the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") or the Texas Commission on Human Rights. Using the complaint process set forth above does not prohibit an employee from filing a complaint with these agencies. Section VI. Admissions Policy In the space provided, describe the time line used for admitting students, including the application deadline and the process for the admission of students by lottery. (Although state law permits students to be accepted on a first come, first served basis or through a lottery, a charter school that is oversubscribed must use a lottery to be eligible to receive federal funds.) In admitting students to the school, Amigos Por Vida-Frieods for Life Public Charter School will not discriminate against any studeot on the basis of sex; national origin; ethnicity; religion; disability; academic, artistic, or athletic ability; or the district the child would otherwise attend. The School reserves the right to exclude from admission any child who has a documented history ofa criminal offense, a juvenile court adjudication, or discipline problems under Subchapter A, Chapter 37 ofthe Texas Education Code. The school will admit students on a first-come, first-serve basis with one day advance notice. The School maintains a 22: 1 ratio in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth. Fifth grade serves no more than 25 students throughout a school year. Therefore, when a grade level is oversubscribed, the School will detennine acceptance based on a lottery system. 12

13 Part 2. Program Evaluation Section VII. Evaluation of Student Performance In the spaces provided, describe student performance. Address student progress over time and performance as it relates to AEIS base and additional indicators and in terms ofany other relevant performance information. A. AEIS Base Indicators Describe student performance as it relates to AEIS base indicators (i.e., T AAS scores and dropout rates). Be specific about indicators such as percentage of students passing exams and annual dropout rates. Note:Campuses rated under the Alternative Education Accountability system may also have student attendance and Texas Learning Index (Til) growth as base indicators. our campus serves elementary age students, the does not an i1ijuu,tl student drop out rate. The students have shown a steady progress academcially year after year as shown below: State Reg. IV District Hisp. Male Female Economically Dis. Reading % 92.2% 54.8% 54.3% 46.7% 62.5% 54.8% % 89.7% 39.0% 38.2% 18.5% 56.3% 39.0% Writing % 89.8% 63.2% 63.2% 62.5% 63.6% " % 72.2% 68.8% 58.3% 100.0% 72.2% Math % 93.6% 64.5% 65.2% 68.9% 60.4% 64.5% % 91.0% 50.8% 52.7% 51.9% 50.0% 50.8% All Tests % 86.8% 43.2% 43.6% 40.0% 46.0% 43.2% % 83.1% 18.3% 18.2% 7.4% 27.3% 18.3% Our only area of concern is Writing as it dropped a few percentage points from 2001 to The School plans to bring in staff development training and writing workshops to vertically and horizontally align the writing curriculum for its second language learners. B. AEIS Additional Indicators Describe student performance as it relates to AEIS additional indicators (i.e., attendance rates, 4-year completion rates, college admissions testing, and participation in the recommended high school program). Be specific about indicators such as average Texas Learning Index (TLI) growth, year-to-year progress, and accountability ratings. Note:Campuses rated under the Alternative Education Accountability system may also have campus-selected additional AEIS indicators. The rate or every weeks has kept constant. There are no admissions testing, recommended high school program nor 4-year completion rates as our charter plans to serve students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. 13

14 C. Other Information Relevant to Student Performance Describe unique accomplishments ofthe charter school as they relate to student performance. Be specific in describing accomplishments and provide supporting evidence and documentation as Attachment 4, Documentation for Evaluation of Other Information Relevant to Performance. Refer to questions three and four ofthe charter application on file for any additional accountability provisions, in addition to those required under Texas Education Code, Chapter 39, under which the performance ofthe openenrollment charter may be assessed. Refer to question five ofthe application for any basis, in addition to a basis specified under Texas Education Code, Chapter 12, on which the renewal ofthe charter may be denied. The schoo I be the Language Program to provide a more balanced so may improve their English and Spanish language proficiency and become bilingual, biliterate and bi-cultural...by choice. The school will also implement the Family Resource Center with DePelchin Children's Center to promote parental involvement in a child's educational setting, as well as, to allow parents to become a contributing member ofthe community. Students who attend Amigos Por Vida-Friends for Life Public Charter School are considered to be at-risk or educationally disadvantaged as a result oftheir limited English proficiency, low-socio economic status or other environmental factors. Nevertheless, students have academically flourished at Amigos Por Vida-Friends for Life Public Charter School. Attachment 4 will list academic results of several assessments taken during the school year. See Attachment 4, Documentation for Evaluation of Other Information Relevant to Performance. -Reading Proficiency Test in English (RPTE); given to limited English proficient (LEP) students in 3 m _6 th -Summary of Aprenda and Stanford 10 Results -Summary of2003 Texas Assessment ofkowledge and Skills (TAKS) Results -Dual Language Program Information Sheet -Copy of Draft Contract with DePelchin Children's Services Section VIII. Student Performance Goals In the spaces provided below, identify the school's academic goals for student learning for the next five years in terms ofaeis base and additional indicators and other relevant peljormance information. Some accountability standards and criteria for 2004 and 2005 are available in the 2002 Accountability Manual, which is available at TAKS passing standards for Exemplary and Recognized are the same as in Rating criteria and standards have not yet been determined beyond 2002 for completion rate, dropout rate, the State-Developed Alternative Assessment (SDAA), and the Academically Acceptable/Acceptable rating. A. AEIS Base Indicators Describe student performance goals in terms of AEIS base indicators (i.e., TAAS scores and dropout rates). Be specific about indicators such as percentage ofstudents passing exams and annual dropout rates. Note: Campuses rated under the Alternative Education Accountability system may also have student attendance and Texas Learning Index (TLI) growth as base indicators. 14

15 See Appendix D: School hnprovement Plan. B. AEIS Additional Indicators Describe student performance goals in terms ofaeis additional indicators (i.e., attendance rates, 4-year completion rate, college admissions testing, and participation in the recommended high school program). Be specific about indicators such as average Texas Learning Index (TLI) growth, year-to-year progress, and accountability ratings. Note:Campuses rated under the Alternative Education Accountability system may also have campus-selected additional indicators. Amigos Por Vida-Friends for Life Public Charter School recognizes that students in grades 3-6 have been rated low performing due to lack luster results in the TAAS test of2001 and Despite those previous results, students at Amigos Por Vida have risen to the challenge of the T AKS test and the School plans to continue to provide educational support to students, parents and faculty. On the other hand, student attendance at Amigos Por Vida has not been an issue ofconcern. The attendance rates have been maintained at or above 95% each six weeks. As stated before Amigos Por Vida does not serve students in the secondary environment therefore 4-year completion rates, college admissions testing and participation in the recommended high school program are not applicable to the School at this time. C. Other Relevant Performance Goals Describe other relevant student performance goals that may be unique to your school. None at this time. 15

16 Section IX. Plans and Initiatives to Improve Student Performance Describe plans and initiatives to improve student performance for the next five years. Explain bow the school plans to accomplish its goals. See Appendix E: Five Year The School believes that Saturday School, Afterschool Tutorials and Enrichment classes, as wells as 120 hours of Summer School will significantly impact students' academic performance. Section X. Monitoring FoUow-Up Discuss improvements made and other actions taken to address any and all findings, recommendations, or sanctions by the Agency including those resulting from monitoring on-site visits or hearings. Provide specific information about compliance status with all special program indicators, including corrective action plans for bilingual and special education programs, and about PASIDAS risk levels. Findings, recommendations, and sanctions were addressed in the fouowing areas: -Federal School LunchlBreakfast Program -Accreditation The School was able to address and correct fmdings. See Appendix F: Letters of Correspondence between Texas Education Agency and Amigos Por Vida Friends for Life Public Charter SchooL 16

17 Part 3. Special Needs StudentslPrograms NOTE: The approval ofthis charter school renewal application and/or removal of any contingencies is based on the information provided by the charter school as it reflects the charter school's knowledge of special education. Approval of the charter school renewal application and/or removal ofany contingencies should not be construed to reflect a determination ofspecial education compliance or to cover any other issues outside the scope of this renewal application process or actions that may have occurred since this renewal application process. Section XI. IDEA Key Components Describe IN DETAIL (in the order requested and in the space provided below) how the charter school accommodates students with aisabilities in the SPECIAL EDUCA non program according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Texas Education Code, the State Board ofeducation rules, and the Commissioner's rules (SEE, Key Components). Please DO NOT SEND a copy ofthe charter school's special education policies and procedures. This will only delay the review by a second request to submit the information as requested. The Texas Side-by-Side is available online to assist the application process: httd:llwww.tea.state.tx.us/sdeciai.ed/rules/sbs.htmi. A. Child Find (34 CFR ) General requirement. The School has in effect policies and procedures to ensure that- All children with disabilities residing in the School, including children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, and evaluated; and A practical method has been developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services. The requirements ofthis section apply to-- Highly mobile children with disabilities (such as migrant and homeless children); and Children who are suspected ofbeing a child with a disability under and in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The School understands that child find for children from birth through age 2 for the Part C program are different. With Texas Education Agency's agreement, the Part C lead agency's participation may include the actual implementation of child fmd activities for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The use of an interagency agreement or other mechanism for providing for the Part C lead agency's participation does not alter or diminish the responsibility ofthe TEA to ensure compliance with the requirements ofthis section. Confidentiality ofchild find data. The collection and use of data to meet the requirements ofthis section are subject to the confidentiality requirements of 300.S The School provides teachers the opportunity to collaborate with a certified Special Educator to locate and assist students with disabilities. Educators are given a Child Find pamphlet and receive training throughout the school year to have a ofthe laws and 17

18 B. Confidentiality (34 CFR ; 34 CFR ; 34 CFR Part 99; TEC ) Access to Student Records. A parent is entitled to access to all written records of a school district concerning the parent's child, including: (I) attendance records; (2) test scores; (3) grades; (4) disciplinary records; (5) counseling records; (6) psychological records; (7) applications for admission; (8) health and immunization information; (9) teacher and counselor evaluations; and (10) reports of behavioral patterns. Transfer ofrecords. In accordance with TEC, , the school district in which the student was previously enrolled shall furnish the new school district with a copy ofthe student's records, including the child's special education records, not later than the 30th calendar day after the student was enrolled in the new school district. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C., 1232g, does not require the student's current and previous school districts to obtain parental consent before requesting or sending the student's special education records ifthe disclosure is conducted in accordance with 34 CFR, 99.3I(a)(2) and Confidentiality ofpersonally identifiable information. The School has on file in detailed policies and procedures conforming to State and Federal requirements to ensure protection ofthe confidentiality of any personally identifiable information, collected, used, or maintained by the School. Notice to parents. The School will give notice that is adequate to fully inform parents about the requirements of , including- A description ofthe extent that the notice is given in the native languages ofthe various population groups in the State; A description ofthe children on whom personally identifiable information is maintained, the types of information sought, the methods the State intends to use in gathering the information (including the sources from whom information is gathered), and the uses to be made ofthe information; A summary ofthe policies and procedures that the School will follow regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention, and destruction ofpersonally identifiable information; and A description of all of the rights ofparents and children regarding this information, including the rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and implementing regulations in 34 CFR part 99. Before any major identification, location, or evaluation activity, the notice will be published or announced in newspapers or other media, or both, with circulation adequate to notify parents throughout the State ofthe activity. Access rights. The School will permit parents to inspect and review any education records relating to their children that are collected, maintained, or used by the School under this law. The School will comply with a request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP, or any hearing pursuant to and , and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. The right to inspect and review education records by the parents includes- The right to a response from the School to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations ofthe records; The right to request that the School provide copies ofthe records containing the information iffailure to provide those copies would effectively prevent the parent from exercising the right to inspect and review the records; and The right to have a l'epresentative ofthe parent inspect and review the records. 18

19 The School may presume that the parent has authority to inspect and review records relating to his or her child unless the School has been advised that the parent does not have the authority under applicable State law governing such matters as guardianship, separation, and divorce. Record ofaccess. The School will keep a record of parties obtaining access to education records collected, maintained, or used under Part B of the Act (except access by parents and authorized employees ofthe School), including the name ofthe party, the date access was given, and the purpose for which the party is authorized to use the records. Records on more than one child. Ifany education record includes information on more than one child, the parents ofthose children have the right to inspect and review only the information relating to their child or to be informed ofthat specific information. List oftypes and locations of information. The School will provide parents on request a list ofthe types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the School. Fees. The School may charge a fee of 10 cents per copy for copies of records that are made for parents under this part ifthe fee does not effectively prevent the parents from exercising their right to inspect and review those records. The School will not charge a fee to search for or to retrieve information under this part. Amendment of records at parent's request. A parent who believes that information in the education records collected, maintained, or used under this part is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy or other rights ofthe child may request the School to amend the information. The School will decide whether to amend the information in accordance with the request within a reasonable period of time ofreceipt ofthe request. Ifthe School decides to refuse to amend the information in accordance with the request, it shall inform the parent ofthe refusal and advise the parent ofthe right to a hearing under Sec Opportunity for a hearing. The agency shall, on request, provide an opportunity for a hearing to challenge information in education records to ensure that it is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation ofthe privacy or other rights ofthe child. Result ofhearing. If, as a result ofthe hearing, the School decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights ofthe child, it will amend the information accordingly and so inform the parent in writing. If, as a result ofthe hearing, the School decides that the information is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation ofthe privacy or other rights ofthe child, it will inform the parent ofthe right to place in the records it maintains on the child a statement commenting on the information or setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decision of the School. Any explanation placed in the records ofthe child under this section will- Be maintained by the School as part ofthe records ofthe child as long as the record or contested portion is maintained by the School; and Ifthe records ofthe child or the contested portion is disclosed by the School to any party, the explanation will also be disclosed to the party. 19

20 Hearing procedures. A hearing held under will be conducted according to the procedures under 34 CFR Consent. Except as to disclosures addressed in (b) for which parental consent is not required by Part 99, parental consent will be obtained before personally identifiable infonnation that is collected or used by the School (except ofr infonnation used in a meeting)- Disclosed to anyone other th!p1 officials ofthe School. The School as subject to 34 CFR Part 99 will not release infonnation from education records to other participating agencies without parental consent unless authorized to do so under part 99. The School will follow TEA's policies and procedures that are used in the event that a parent refuses to provide consent under this section. Safeguards. The School will protect the confidentiality ofpersonally identifiable infonnation at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages. One official as assigned by the CEO/Superintendent at the School shall assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality ofany personally identifiable information. All persons collecting or using personally identifiable infonnation will receive training or instruction regarding the State and Federal policies and procedures under 300.l27 and 34 CFR part 99. The School will maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions ofthose employees within the agency who may have access to personally identifiable infonnation. Destruction of infonnation. The School will infonn parents when personally identifiable information collected, maintained, or used under this part is no longer needed to provide educational services to the child. The information will be destroyed at the request ofthe parents. However, a pennanent record ofa student's name, address, and phone number, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. Children's rights. The School will follow TEA and Federal policies and procedures regarding the extent to which children are afforded rights of privacy similar to those afforded to parents, taking into consideration the age ofthe child and type or severity of disability. Under the regulations for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (34 CFR 99.5(a», the rights ofparents regarding education records are transferred to the student at age 18. Ifthe rights accorded to parents under Part B ofthe Act are transferred to a student who reaches the age ofmajority, consistent with , the rights regarding educational records in will also be transferred to the student. However, the School understands that it must provide any notice required under section 615 ofthe Act to the student and the parents. Enforcement. The School will follow the policies and procedures, including sanctions, that the State uses to ensure that its policies and procedures are followed and that the requirements ofthe Act and the regulations in this part are met. 34 CFR Part 99 (An assurance to ab ide by FERP A) 20