IDEA-B Allocations Eligibility Determination
Each charter school may complete a report for its students as a special data request to determine eligibility for 2006-2007 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B) allocations. The reporting system will be available on the web from February 1, 2006, through February 22, 2006, and any child count information must be reported through the Web SAS during this period of availability. Charter schools newly opened since November 1, 2005, as well as charter schools experiencing a significant expansion of enrollment since November 1, 2005, that provide special education services to students with disabilities based on current full and individual evaluations (FIEs) and individualized education programs (IEPs) will be eligible for initial or additional funds. Failure to either complete the report or observe the submission deadline will result in the unavailability of any funds generated by this count. To obtain additional information, you may visit www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/formfund012006.html. For assistance in completing the forms, contact the regional education service center special education administrator. If additional assistance is required, contact Mary Helen Nuñez-Wallace at 512-463-8525 in the Division of Formula Funding.

Submission of Expansion Amendments
The deadline for the submission of expansion amendment requests for the 2006-2007 school year is February 1, 2006. Expansion amendments include those that would (1) expand grade levels served, (2) increase maximum enrollment, (3) add a site, or (4) expand the geographic boundary. The form is available at www.tea.state.tx.us/charter/forms/amendments.pdf. Fax the completed form, along with an appropriate board resolution and any other required documentation, to Arnoldo Alaniz in the Charter Schools Division of TEA at 512-463-9732. Amendment requests may also be mailed to the Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701-1494. For more information contact Arnoldo at 512-463-9575.

National/California Charter Schools Conference Videos
The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is producing a series of videos for the National/California Charter Schools Conference and would like to include still pictures from schools around the country. Interested schools may email up to five still pictures to Leecondon@aol.com no later than Friday, January, 27. Include in the email the name of the charter school, the city and state where school is located, and a brief program description (for example, 7-12, College Prep). CCSA wants to make sure that all states attending the conference are represented in the video program. Pictures can be of anything that happens at school: from special events, interesting classroom scenes, student life, sports or staff gatherings. Questions should be directed to Lee Condon at Leecondon@aol.com or 323.383.2535.