Evaluation

To improve the quality, clarity, transparency, and consistency of its authorizing process, the School Reform Commission implemented the Authorizing Quality Initiative (AQI) in 2012.

The initiative, which developed standards for both new and existing charters, is guided by three principles:

High accountability for charter schools
Upholding of charter autonomy
Protection of student rights and the public interest

As part of the AQI, the Charter Schools Office (CSO) created the Charter School Performance Framework, which provides the basis for Annual Charter Evaluations and Renewal Recommendation Reports (ACE-R).

In 2018, the CSO released an updated Charter School Performance Framework, based on charter sector feedback, research, and national standards for charter authorizing. Since 2018, minor updates have been made related to data availability changes or changes in law and regulation, after being shared with the sector for feedback.

Charter School Performance Framework

Annual Charter Evaluations

Annual Charter Evaluations (ACE) were developed in 2016 to provide interim school evaluations for years between initial charter approval and first charter renewal as well as between charter renewals thereafter. These reports are produced annually by the CSO for all charter schools (except those up for renewal that receive a Renewal Recommendation Report) and provide information on the three main areas of the Charter School Performance Framework: academic success, organizational compliance and viability, and financial health and sustainability. The ACE also provides student-subgroup information to assess a charter school’s academic performance by grade level, gender, race/ethnicity, and historically underserved categories.

The Charter Schools Office (CSO) may issue Notices of Concern and Deficiency to schools regarding significant instances of non-compliance or poor performance that may affect student well-being or access. Notices of Deficiency clarify actions schools must take in order to resolve the deficiency.

Business rules for academic calculations align with the District Performance Office’s business rules (viewed here) with supplemental rules outlined here.

Schools have multiple opportunities during the ACE engagement cycle to view their ACE or ACE-R report findings, provide the CSO with feedback, receive feedback, and have ratings updated prior to final reports being published. These opportunities are called preview windows. More information about the preview window process can be accessed below.

ACE Preview Window Process

2021 ACEs are found below; reports from prior years can be found on school-specific pages, which can be accessed here.

2021 User Guide

2021 Public File

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Charter Schools Office
The School District of Philadelphia

To improve the quality, clarity, transparency, and consistency of its authorizing process, the School Reform Commission implemented the Authorizing Quality Initiative (AQI) in 2012.

Annual Charter Evaluations

Office Menu:

Search the site:

Charter Schools Office The School District of Philadelphia

Evaluation

To improve the quality, clarity, transparency, and consistency of its authorizing process, the School Reform Commission implemented the Authorizing Quality Initiative (AQI) in 2012.

Annual Charter Evaluations

Charter Schools Office
The School District of Philadelphia