Initialed Charter

 revised 6/20/07

The parent is required to initial specific parts of the charter and sign on page 9.  The Education Specialist is responsible to make sure the parent understands the information in the complete charter, before they initial it.  Print a copy of the charter from the school’s website for referral, and let your parents know where to access the charter online, or if they prefer, offer to leave a copy for them, or bring one on your next visit.  Make sure the parent signs on page 9.  Only one charter per family must be initialed.  Keep the entire original in the student’s file.

The Independent Study Policy, Master Student Agreement, and initialed Charter address the following items that the ES must explain to the satisfaction of the parent.

*          Parents' responsibility in their child's learning program.  The parent accepts full responsibility for the education of their student(s).  The parent is not required to teach the student; the parent is responsible to make sure the student learns.   Parents can choose how and when the student learns.  The parent facilitates all learning.  The parent will meet with the ES at least once every twenty school days and must be able to convey and provide work samples for the entirety of the student’s learning for the attendance period.

*          Assessment of student progress.  Highlight the fact that GVCS must administer any state-mandated test whenever one is provided.  State-mandated tests currently include: the STAR, including the writing test for 4t & 7^th grade students; Physical Fitness Exam for grades 5, 7 and 9; and the California High School Exit Exam.  The parent may request in writing to withhold the STAR scores from the student's cumulative file.  If a parent chooses to have the STAR test results in the cumulative file, s/he may always change her/his mind later. This written request must be submitted each school year.

Also point out that students must participate in school-administered assessments, which currently include an online adaptive assessment two times each year through EdPerformance.

Additionally, the other methods of assessment will/may occur, including the ES reviewing the student’s work, taking samples, talking to the students, observing them, assigning grades, etc.

*          Admission Requirements. GVCS requires the parent to read, initial, and fulfill the terms of this Charter, as well as sign the Master Student Agreement each semester. 

*          Parent signature.  After Element 19, on page 9.  Indicates understanding of the contents of the Charter, as well as acceptance of the requirements outlined therein. There is an attachment after the place where they sign, which outlines suspension and expulsion procedures.  They should review this attachment, prior to signing, even though the signature line comes before the attachment in the printed version of the charter.