SPED: Regulations and Procedures

The Regulations of the Commissioner are available online. Part 200 is the law regulating special education in New York State. The Standard Operating Procedures Manual is a how-to guide explaining the entire special education referral, evaluation, and placement process in New York City. The NYC DOE Protocols for SPED in Charter Schools were developed by the Office…

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MLL/ELL Identification Process

In today's diverse educational landscape, catering to the diverse needs of students is paramount. Among these needs, supporting Multilingual Learners (MLL) or English Language Learners (MLL/ELL) stands as a crucial priority. These students bring a wealth of cultural backgrounds and languages to the classroom, enriching the learning environment. However, to…

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Staff Handbook

Clear expectations promote strong performances. A comprehensive staff handbook is the best way to ensure all employees understand the professional standards and culture of the school. Several extensive handbooks are attached, each with particular strengths. SBuffalo’s CS Handbook has thorough sections on social media and computer use and mentions confidentiality…

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Operations Brief: Frequently Asked Questions about the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

All New York charter schools are subject to the requirements of New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). FOIL is a New York State law that provides the public an avenue to access certain records of public agencies, and it explicitly applies to charters under the Charter Schools Act of 1998.…

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Teacher Certification Resources

The Charter Center’s resources are compiled from NYSED and our experience assisting teachers to navigate the certification process. Schools participating in our Teacher Certification Program will also find additional resources through the HR community of practice. Please note: There are new guides with current information in development regarding applicants from…

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Working Papers for Students

Students aged 14-17 who work part time, including summer employment, are required to have “employment certificates” (often called Working Papers) issued by the school. The process includes obtaining required documentation, such as a doctor’s note. All intermediate schools and high schools must provide an “employment certificate” to any student who…

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