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An integrated, place-based curriculum.

our sponsor

Ball State University

Ball State University is the sponsor of Discovery Charter School, which means that Discovery has satisfied Ball State’s rigorous application process to receive a charter and that Discovery will be subject to significant continuing oversight from Ball State’s Office of Charter Schools.

background

In Indiana, charter schools must be sponsored by a local school district, the mayor of Indianapolis or a 4 year public university in Indiana. Ball State is the only university in Indiana—and one of the few in the country—that sponsors charter schools. As a leader in innovation in education and with a strong background in teaching and learning, the university is well positioned to help ensure that charter schools provide high-quality educational experiences for the students they serve. Ball State currently sponsors more than 30 charter schools, located across the state.

application process

Ball State’s Office of Charter Schools has established a rigorous application process to ensure that any group or individual planning to open a new charter school meets high standards of quality public education. Schools’ organizers must meet a set of General Indicators of Success established by Ball State. These indicators address a number of areas critical to the success of a school, including:

• clear and well-articulated mission
• solid governance structure
• parent/guardian participation
• sound administrative management
• relationship with an educational management organization
• strong educational program
• qualified and dedicated teachers
• plan to serve students with special needs
• health and safety
• evidence of increasing student achievement
• school climate and student discipline
• sound financial management
• recruitment and admissions procedures
• school-as-a-choice option
• appropriate facilities
• transportation
• satisfactory reporting relationships

The proposal review process begins with the school organizers submitting a Charter School Proposal to the Office of Charter Schools. A review team then evaluates the Preliminary Proposal and holds an informal interview with school organizers. Depending on the strength of the Preliminary Proposal in meeting the general indicators of success for charter schools, the school may be asked to submit a Full Charter School Proposal. This part of the review process also includes a formal interview. From here, a public meeting and additional evaluations may occur. Finally, a formal recommendation is forwarded to the president of Ball State University, who decides whether to offer the school a charter.

accountability framework

The Ball State Office of Charter Schools has developed an accountability framework to help
its schools succeed. Within the accountability framework, the office monitors performance in
academic achievement, organizational management, financial stability, school satisfaction, and
compliance with Ball State requirements and charter school law.

As part of the accountability framework, schools undergo annual reviews that include site visits,
classroom observations, evaluations of standardized tests, financial reviews, and analyses of
school-specific measures. The reviews are structured to help schools continue to improve and
develop.

For more information about the Office of Charter Schools at Ball State University, visit their
website at: http://www.bsu.edu/teachers/charter/