SPECIAL ED NEEDS SURVEY On July 30, 2002, representatives from the TEA, Charter School Resource Center, Association of Charter Educators, nine Houston area charter schools, and Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) participated in an open forum to discuss opportunities for developing new resources to supplement the special education programs of Houston area charter schools. During this productive exchange of ideas, it was proposed that HCDE conduct a free Special Education Needs Assessment for any Houston area charter school that requested one. The focus of these assessments would be threefold. To give the participating charter valuable information on it's current Special Education situation and how best to impact that situation in a positive manner. To determine if there is an overall pattern of Special Education issues and resource needs shared by Houston area charter schools. Whether a Special Education Co-operative would be effective in addressing the needs of area charter schools.

All nine charter schools attending the meeting were interested in inviting the HCDE to conduct an assessment of their Special Education programs. All other Houston area charter schools still have the opportunity to participate in this project. The deadline for requesting the assessment is August 16, 2002. Any charter school interested in participating or needing more information should contact Sean Cain, HCDE at 713-696-8219 or SCAIN@HCDE-Texas.org.

BOARD TRAINING As soon as the Commissioner's Rules regarding Board Training have been finalized, the Resource Center will proceed with the Charter School Board Training Project which will then be in compliance with HB6. Watch the Friday Fax® for the schedule of the Resource Center Board Training that will be offered in your geographic area at no cost to charters.

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE will be May 5 & 6, 2003 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin. As you plan your 2002- 2003 school calendar you may want to consider scheduling staff development days on May 5 & 6, 2003 so many of your teachers will be able to attend.

STUDENT TRANSFER SYSTEM (STS) will be available to charter schools August 19, 2002 through September 13, 2002. Charter schools must submit student transfer information during these dates in order for the system to determine compliance/noncompliance status. The system cannot function until every charter school in the state submits this information. The system will be closed September 13, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. to ensure that all charter schools have submitted transfer data, to compare data from charter schools and districts, and to calculate compliance/noncompliance. It will reopen September 30, 2002, at which time charter schools will be informed of their status and may resume data entry.

To access STS and submit your 2002-2003 student transfers, you must have a TEASE USER ID. To apply for a TEASE USER ID, please complete the TEASE USER ID application form at www.tea.state.tx.us/eeo and link onto STS Application Request, which includes a data confidentiality statement that you must complete, sign, and fax to the number on the form. You will be notified via e-mail of your TEASE USER ID and password prior to August 19. Once you have your TEASE USER ID and can access the Student Transfer System, you will find step-by-step procedures for submitting student transfer information and technical assistance. Please note that failure to report will result in noncompliance with the federal court order. Contact Pamela Williams at 512-463-9519 for questions.

ESC 4 WILL HOST a series of very helpful workshops at Region 4, 7145 W. Tidwell, Houston as listed below. Schools may register online at www.esc4.net. Registration will be on a first come first served basis.

		ESC 4 Schools	Non ESC 4 Schools
PEIMS Overview-New Coordinators &Charter Schools (Event ID: 1239-12302)	August 7, 2002 9:00 a.m. - noon	$50	$75
Student Attendance Accounting Requirements (Event ID: 3632-12303)	August 14, 2002 9:00 a.m. - noon	$50	$75
PEIMS TEA Student Attendance Accounting (Event ID: 1244-16203	September 4, 2002 9:00 a.m. - noon	$50	$75