About the Charter Schools Development Center

Our Mission:
Our goal is to help public education change from a highly regulated, process-based system to one that allows and encourages schools to be more creative, performance-based centers of effective teaching and learning. We aim to achieve this by providing technical assistance to the charter school reform movement in California, nationally, and internationally.

What are Charter Schools?
Charter schools are a non-traditional form of public school designed to spur innovation in both individual schools and in the public education system in general. Started by teachers, principals, parents, and community groups, charter schools are freed from most of the restrictive laws that govern traditional public schools. In return for this freedom, charter schools are held more accountable for student success. Funded like other public schools, they operate under five-year charter contracts which may be renewed if the school meets its performance goals. California's 600-plus charter schools serve a diverse range of students and often feature alternative or unique instructional programs.

What We Offer:
The Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) provides experienced and expert technical assistance, training, and resources to charter school developers, operators, charter-granting agencies, and policy makers in California, nationally, and internationally. CSDC's diverse menu of charter school services includes:

• Information Services, including Charter Currents and expert, timely "hot line" advice
• A package of Accountability Services from charter development/approval to renewal
• Development Services to assist those who are planning a charter school
• Governing board trainings, educational program assistance, and other in-depth consulting services
• Comprehensive, intensive workshops ranging from introductory to highly technical topics
• An extensive library of charter school publications, including CSDC's Tool Kits™
• The Charter School Leadership Institute, an intensive, six-day "boot camp" for both new and veteran charter school leaders
• The Charter School Leadership Summit, a three-day conference addressing critical charter school issues
• The Charter School Chief Business Officer Training, an annual, State approved, 22-day program providing charter school business staff with a detailed grasp of school business management

Who We Are:
CSDC staff have extensive, "hands-on" experience in both charter school policy and school-based practice. Our in-depth and practical expertise addresses the most challenging aspects of charter school planning, operations, and oversight including:

• How to plan and start a charter school
• Defining and measuring student and school performance
• Roles and responsibilities of charter-granting agencies
• Charter school finance, facilities, and operations
• School governance, personnel, and leadership
• Charter school law and policy
• Special Education
• Charter school accountability and renewal

CSDC Staff and consultants:

Eric Premack, Co-Director
Laurie Gardner, Co-Director
Beth Kay, Operations Manager
Miles Denniston, Development Services Manager
Stephanie Schwuchow, Special Projects Manager
Jill Wells, Information Services and Marketing Manager
Susanne Coie, Accountability and Educational Program Specialist
Beryl Nelson, Accountability Services Manager
Jennifer Grexton, Budget Manager
Laura Breedlove, Office Assistant
Kristina Conner, Office Assistant

Contact CSDC:
CSDC is a non-profit organization whose activities are supported by grants from foundations and individuals. Thanks to philanthropic support, many CSDC services and publications are available for free or at a very low cost.

If you would like to support CSDC's activities, please contact us at the address or phone number listed below.

Charter Schools Development Center
7750 College Town Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95826
Phone: (916) 278-6069
Fax: (916) 471-0155

e-mail: CSDC@chartercenter.org