Commissioner's Update
October 13, 2009

Dear Superintendents and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have one announcement and five items for your review.

Expanded Learning Time Study Tours

Free, full-day expanded-learning time study tours to three urban charter schools are available this fall. Tours give teams of teachers and administrators the opportunity to:

• Tour a host school, observe in a classroom, and dialogue with school leaders, staff, and collaborators;
• Network with other attendees;
• Participate in a workshop focusing on academics, enrichment, or instructional improvement, and engage in action planning;
• Come away with a new research document on expanded learning time practices.
  Schedule:
  • Boston Preparatory Charter School, October 20, Hyde Park
  • Codman Academy Charter School , November 12, Dorchester
  • KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, November 13, Lynn

Space is limited, pre-registration is required, and deadlines are coming soon. Limited funds to reimburse schools for substitute teachers are available. For information and registration, contact banderson@mccpse.org or call 781-475-8879. This project is funded by the federal Charter Schools Program grant to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Items Posted at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Notice of Public Comment for Proposed Amendments to 603 CMR 1.00, Charter Schools Regulations
2. Proposed Amendments to Charter Schools Regulations 603 CMR 100
3. Notice of Public Comment for Proposed Amendment to 603 CMR 2.00, Under-Performing Schools and School Districts Regulations
4. Annual Student Government Day, April 9, 2010
5. District Use of 21st Century Skills

Sincerely,

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education