Charter schools are accountable, through the terms of five-year performance contracts called “charters,” for high student achievement. Charter schools must meet the same Regents’ performance standards established for all public schools as well as the goals established in their charter. If a charter school fails to meet those terms, it is subject to closure. The New York City Department of Education (DOE) has set performance standards for all DOE-authorized charter schools. These standards are organized under five categories:
- high academic attainment and improvement
- responsive educational program and environment
- responsible school leadership, governance, and management
- financial sustainability and internal controls
- strong culture and supportive relationships
The DOE is responsible for monitoring the performance of DOE-authorized public charter against these standards and has developed an oversight framework that collects information and data critical to renewal decision-making. The Accountability Handbook at the link below is a tool for DOE-authorized charter schools to understand the Office of Charter Schools' oversight framework.
Below is the following accountability information for each school authorized by the New York City Department of Education.
Annual Report: Every year each charter school is required to submit an annual report of their students' academic performance outcomes and their progress toward the goals of their charter.
Annual Site Visit Report: The Office of Charter School visits each school at least once in their first, second & fourth year of operation and generates a report of findings. The State Education Department (SED) visits schools in their third year of operation. SED visit reports are not included below. Please visit their website http://www.nysed.gov/ for more information.
Annual Site Visit Report School Response: Each school has the opportunity to generate a response to the findings in the Site Visit Report.
Annual Audit: Every year each charter school is required to engage in an independent financial audit.
DOE Progress Report: This year, as a pilot, 19 charter schools received a DOE progress report. The outcomes on these reports were generated from New York State testing data and student attendance. Because of the pilot nature of this project, it would be inaccurate to make direct comparisons with DOE public schools.