Charter Operated Programs provides an array of services to charter schools to support the unique needs of each school, in order to develop their capacity to deliver high-quality services to students with disabilities.
The LAUSD operates as a single district SELPA, with two units supporting charter schools and special education:
- A unit for charter schools operating as schools of the district; and
- A unit for charter schools operating independently for special education.
While each side of the SELPA administers its own respective programs and services, it is intended that district and charter school programs have the ability to share services and expertise. The entire SELPA is administered by a single SELPA Administrator and governed by the existing Los Angeles Board of Education, who is advised by a committee of district and charter school representatives. Day-to-day operations and programmatic oversight for each unit are managed by a Charter Operated Program Director.
The Memorandum of Understanding defines the relationship between the charter school and the Division of Special Education. LAUSD authorized charters have the option to apply for membership in Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3.
In order to ensure that the COP procedures and standards accurately reflect the mission of the COP and the needs of each participating school, it is essential that all member schools are active in the governance structure of the COP. To foster participation in decision making and the creation of procedures and standards governing the COP, the governance structure has been designed to incorporate management staff from all participating member schools through three Councils: 1) Executive Council, 2) Coordinating Council and 3) Fiscal Council.
COP Option 3 members are encouraged to participate in decision making through active participation on committees. Please see below for a brief description of the purpose and responsibilities of each standing committee:
Application Review Committee: Responsible for developing application materials, making recommendations to the Executive Council related to the application process, reviewing new member applications and bringing forward recommendations to the Executive Council as to acceptance of new members.
Conference/Summit Committee: Responsible for planning and organizing the annual Charter Operated Programs Summit.
Program Development Committee: Responsible for overseeing the Program Development Grant Process, which includes developing grant application and review materials, reviewing grant applications, bringing forward recommendations to the Executive Council regarding grant awards, and collecting data on grant recipient programs.
Structure Committee: Responsible for bringing forward recommendations to the Executive Council related to the governance structure of the COP, as well as collecting and communicating the nominations for Executive Board. Meets once per month, or as necessary to carry out these duties.[WU1] Membership is limited to CEOs or Superintendents of member schools.
Special Projects Committee: Responsible for executing special projects at the request of the Executive Board and/or Director of the COP