Charter Schools - Training FAQ
This page contains frequently asked questions related to board training in charter schools.
1. Which officials must receive the required training?
2. If the charter holder board has established a separate school board to manage various aspects of a charter school's operations, must the members of both governing bodies complete a training course?
3. If a person provides management services that include the functions of a chief executive officer or central administrator, must he or she complete a training course?
4. If a person serves in more than one capacity, for example as a board member and as a central administrator, must the person complete the training requirements for both positions?
5. Are there any exceptions to the training requirements?
6. Who are the course providers for the training?
7. Is there a list of the registered course providers?
8. May someone who is associated with a charter school provide the training for the various officials of the charter school?
9. How many hours of training are required?
10. Are the curriculum outlines for the training courses currently available?
11. What is the deadline for completing the first year of training?
12. What is the cost of the training?
13. Will some type of proof of completion be given to officials after they complete the training?
Which officials must receive the required training?
The Commissioner's rules require that the following officials complete a training course
(unless exemptions apply):
members of the governing body of the charter holder
members of the governing body of the charter school
chief executive officers
central administrative officers
campus administrative officers
business managers
TOP - If the charter holder board has established a separate school board to manage various aspects of a charter school's operations, must the members of both governing bodies complete a training course?
Yes. The Commissioner's rules require that both members of the governing body of a charter holder and members of the governing body of a charter school complete a training course.
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- If a person provides management services that include the functions of a chief executive officer or central administrator, must he or she complete a training course?
Yes. The Commissioner's rules require a chief executive officer or a central administrative officer, including persons providing management services that include the functions of a chief executive officer or central administrative officer, to complete a training course.
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- If a person serves in more than one capacity, for example as a board member and as a central administrator, must the person complete the training requirements for both positions?
The Commissioner's rules do not address this issue. However, it is recommended that during the first year, the training should be focused on the requirements of the higher position with the widest range of responsibility. For example, if a person serves as the superintendent and the principal, the requirements for the superintendent position should be prioritized.
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- Are there any exceptions to the training requirements?
Yes. There are several exemptions and limited exemptions to the mandatory training requirements. For example, members of the governing body of a charter holder that is the governing body of a governmental entity or an institution of higher education are exempt from the training requirements if: (1) they are subject to other mandatory training by virtue of their service on the governing body of the governmental entity or institution of higher education and (2) the members of the governing body of the charter school comply with training requirements set out in 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1102. The exemptions and limited exemptions for members of the governing body of a charter holder and school are set out in parts (g) and (h) of 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1102. The exemptions and limited exemptions for chief executive and central administrative officers are set out in parts (g) and (h) of 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1106. Exemptions for campus and administrative officers and business managers are set out in parts (g) and (h) of 19 Texas Administrative Code §§ 100.1104 and 100.1105.
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- Who are the course providers for the training?
The required training must be provided by a regional education service center or by a course provider registered with the Commissioner. An applicant for course provider registration must file documents and information with the Commissioner demonstrating a history of training experience and subject matter expertise in each area covered by a training course. The initial registration for a course provider is for 18 months, and then the course provider must re-register. Before a course provider is re-registered, TEA must provide an opportunity for stakeholder comment on the course provider's performance.
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- Is there a list of the registered course providers?
Yes. Course providers must register with TEA's School Governance/EEO and Complaints Division. Please contact that division at (512) 475-3697 for a list of registered course providers.
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- May someone who is associated with a charter school provide the training for the various officials of the charter school?
Only registered course providers may provide the required training. Therefore, if an individual associated with a charter school is a registered course provider, he or she may deliver the training to his or her associates.
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- How many hours of training are required?
The course content and amount of training required differ for the different types of officials. The content for each type of course is comprised of several modules that must consist of a certain number of minutes of instruction. The minimum duration for each module are set out in part (d) of 19 Texas Administrative Code §§ 100.1102 through 100.1105.
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- Is the curriculum outline for the training courses currently available?
Yes. The curriculum outline (PDF, 32 KB) may be accessed online.
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- What is the deadline for completing the first year of training?
In the case of a newly granted charter, officials must complete the required training within a year of the date the charter contract was signed. In the case of an existing charter that appoints new officials, the officials must complete the required training within one calendar year of when they began service.
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- What is the cost of the training?
The Commissioner's rules provide that the fee for a course or module of training shall be determined by the registered course provider.
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- Will some type of proof of completion be given to officials after they complete the training?
The Commissioner's rules do not require course providers to provide course participants with some type of proof of completion. Therefore, it is within the discretion of the course provider as to whether some type of proof of completion is provided. However, the rules state that the charter holder "shall document its compliance with §§ 100.1102-100.1105." In addition, the rules require that a charter holder shall separately disclose in its annual audit report required by 19 Texas Administrative Code § 100.1047 any official who fails to comply with the training requirements and continues to serve as of the date of the audit report.
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*The information in this document is intended to provide nonregulatory guidance relating to charter schools and should not be construed as TEA rules.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, contact the Division of Charter School Administration at (512) 463-9575.
Division of Charter School Administration
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-9575
Page last modified on 2/7/2012 02:22:13 PM.