Services

SERVICES

• Authorizers
• Oversight and Monitoring Services

  On behalf of Universities, SEAs, and district authorizers, SchoolWorks provides comprehensive support in monitoring, evaluating, and managing the performance of charter schools. Our qualified team works closely with client liaisons to develop and implement robust oversight processes tailored to the unique needs and goals of each environment. On an annual basis, ongoing work may include school site visits, reviews of financial and academic performance data, and evaluation of compliance with regulatory requirements. By serving as a trusted partner and extension of the authorizer's team, SchoolWorks ensures that key authorizing functions are fulfilled and that portfolio schools receive support, oversight, and guidance to operate effectively and fulfill their mission of providing high-quality education to students.

• Needs Assessment / Strategic Planning for Authorizers

  SchoolWorks helps authorizers improve their overall practice by providing needs assessments, formal authorizer evaluations, and facilitated strategic planning services. During needs assessments, the SchoolWorks team reviews the authorizer’s current practices against national standards, gathering input from a diverse range of stakeholders through interviews, focus groups and surveys. In the subsequent planning phase, SchoolWorks facilitators present insights and trends, then lead staff and stakeholders through the processes of prioritizing areas of need, setting goals, and developing measurable strategies to implement high-quality authorizing practices and procedures. Engagements result in a multi-year plan aligned to best practices, complete with measurable strategies for success.

• Resource Development

  SchoolWorks team members assist authorizers in developing and/or refining essential resources for effective charter school oversight and management, such as policies, academic performance frameworks, contracts, renewal criteria, and oversight tools.

• Third Party Application Evaluation

  SchoolWorks provides capacity-adding support to charter school authorizers to ease the burden of the charter/petition evaluation process. Depending upon capacity and need, SchoolWorks may provide third-party management of the application evaluation process (outsourced support), supplemental qualified review team members (utilizing the authorizer’s existing process/tools), or consulting support to develop/refine resources to support application evaluation (rubrics, evaluation guidance documents, etc.). Our team regularly provides evaluation support services for both new schools and renewals.

• Third Party Site Visit Facilitation: Renewal

  SchoolWorks facilitates third-party renewal site visits, including high-stakes renewal visits, on behalf of charter school authorizers. Our seasoned team conducts thorough on-site assessments, meticulously collecting evidence and engaging with key stakeholders to gain comprehensive insights into each school's performance. Following these visits, SchoolWorks generates detailed reports that provide evidence-aligned recommendations for decision-makers aligned to renewal expectations.

• Third Party Site Visit Facilitation: Oversight

  SchoolWorks aids authorizers in making well-informed decisions that maintain accountability and foster continuous improvement by conducting transparent and objective school site visits for oversight purposes. Using methods such as document review, interviews/focus groups, and classroom observations, SchoolWorks' team of education professionals evaluates critical facets of the school's performance encompassing academic achievement, instructional quality, governance practices, financial management, and/or compliance with regulatory requirements. Site visits culminate in comprehensive reports, which synthesize findings and provide valuable insights to guide decision-makers.

• School Closure Stewardship

  SchoolWorks offers comprehensive school closure stewardship for charter school authorizers, guiding stakeholders through the challenging process of school closure with sensitivity, transparency, and expertise. Leveraging a team of experienced education professionals, SchoolWorks collaborates closely with authorizers to develop and implement a plan for managing all aspects of the closure process, including communication with stakeholders, student and staff transitions, financial obligations, and legal requirements. Through ongoing support and clear communication, SchoolWorks ensures that the closure is conducted in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of students, staff, and the broader community while adhering to regulatory guidelines and mitigating potential negative impacts.

• Technical Support and Training for Authorizers
• Custom Training Workshops

  Drawing on a wealth of expertise in charter school oversight and management, SchoolWorks collaborates closely with authorizers to identify areas for improvement and develop customized training programs that align with their goals and priorities. Workshops cover a wide range of topics, including charter school renewal and oversight, performance evaluation, compliance monitoring, governance best practices, and stakeholder engagement. Through interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and practical strategies, SchoolWorks empowers authorizers to strengthen their capacity, build effective processes, and elevate their overall performance.

• SchoolWorks Charter School Authorizing Online Professional Development Course

  SchoolWorks offers a comprehensive online training program, designed to equip charter school authorizers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel in their roles. Leveraging a
  combination of multimedia resources, case studies, discussions, and practical
  exercises, the course provides participants with valuable insights, tools, and
  strategies to enhance their effectiveness as authorizers and contribute to the
  success and accountability of charter schools within their portfolio. With flexible
  online delivery, participants can access the course at their convenience,
  allowing for self-paced learning while still benefiting from expert guidance and support. Bulk licenses are available.  Access the course here.

• For State Agencies Overseeing Charter School Authorizers/Sponsors
• Resource Development

  SchoolWorks empowers state departments of education to strengthen their capacity to effectively regulate charter school authorizers, foster continuous improvement, and ensure the delivery of high-quality education for all students. Our team of skilled education professionals supports the development of robust policies, rigorous performance standards, and practical tools to enhance oversight and accountability within the charter school sector. Utilizing a collaborative approach, SchoolWorks engages stakeholders, conducts thorough research, and draws on best practices to develop tailored resources aligned with state and federal regulations, industry standards, and the unique needs of the authorizing context.

• Third Party Authorizer Reviews

  SchoolWorks provides third party authorizer reviews for state departments of education overseeing charter school authorizers, offering comprehensive summative and formative evaluations that help ensure the effectiveness and accountability of the charter school authorization process. Leveraging a team of skilled education professionals with deep expertise in charter school oversight, SchoolWorks conducts thorough evaluations of authorizers' practices, policies, and procedures, examining key areas such as application review, performance monitoring, compliance enforcement, and renewal decisions. Through detailed analysis, stakeholder engagement, and benchmarking against industry standards, SchoolWorks delivers actionable insights to help state departments strengthen their oversight of charter school authorizers, promote transparency and equity, and safeguard the quality and integrity of the charter school sector.