Accountability
REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY
Maine public charter schools are required to meet all applicable federal laws, health and safety laws, and the same academic standards to which all Maine public schools are accountable. These and other requirements are embedded in state educational statutes and required school policies.
Unlike other public schools, Maine charter schools must also meet the requirements established by the Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC) which is responsible for maintaining high standards for school performance, upholding school autonomy, and protecting student and public interests. As part of this work, the MCSC has established a Performance Framework for all Maine charter schools which communicates clear and rigorous expectations and standards and holds charter schools accountable for results. These standards and expectations include:
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Student Achievement – Proficiency and Growth on state and local reading and math assessments
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School Climate and Faculty Engagement Surveys
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Organizational Sustainability – Governing Board Effectiveness, Public Accountability and Transparency, Reporting Accuracy and Timeliness, Board Training, and Meeting Facility Requirements
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Financial Management and Sustainability – Annual Audit, and Measures of Fiscal Resources (debt ratio, cash on hand, ability to meet financial obligations, etc.)
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Faithfulness to the Charter and the Law – Ability to implement mission and vision, and Student Attendance and Reenrollment
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School Customization – Learning activities that enhances the context and connection to the school’s mission
The MCSC monitors these areas by conducting regular reviews with each charter school and creates reports on the status of each charter school meeting specific performance criteria in each of these areas. Annual Reports for each Maine charter school are posted on the MCSC website.
SCHOOL CUSTOMIZATION
As part of MCSC Performance Framework, each charter school has the option of creating projects, demonstrations, etc., which demonstrate specific learning outcomes that enhance the context and connection to their school’s mission. Below are examples of Section 6: School Customization projects created by Maine’s charter schools.