[CA] Understanding the CALPADS and CBEDS Charter Data Reporting Policy

Each year, charter schools in California must decide how to report their data through the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) and the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS). These systems collect detailed student, teacher, and school data. Here’s a concise summary of the key takeaways from the latest policy update on charter school data reporting:

Overview

• Data Systems: CALPADS and CBEDS collect individual and aggregate data on students, teachers, and schools.
• Annual Decision: Charter schools must specify their data reporting method annually during a designated change window.

Reporting Policy

• Method Selection: Charter schools choose how to report their data annually. This choice impacts both CALPADS and CBEDS reporting methods.
• Independence from Funding: The selected reporting method does not influence the charter school’s funding model.
• Dialogue and Coordination: It’s crucial for charter schools and their authorizing agencies to discuss practices, procedures, and logistics to ensure compliance with reporting deadlines.

Data Reporting Options

1. Independent Reporting Charters (IRCs):
   • Report data directly to the CDE.
   • Required for charter schools that are their own local educational agency (LEA) for special education purposes.
2. Authorizing Agency Reporting:
   • The authorizing agency reports data on behalf of the charter school.
   • Statewide Benefit Charters and schools authorized by the State Board of Education report directly to the CDE as their own LEA.

Annual Reporting Status Change Window

• Existing Schools: Can change their reporting status during July and August.
  • Submit the Charter Reporting Status Change Form to the CALPADS Operations Office by August 31.
• New Schools: Must designate their reporting status before starting CALPADS and CBEDS data collections.
  • No default status exists; schools must submit the form prior to the start date.

Resources and Support

• Policy Information: Details on reporting responsibilities, changing/designating reporting methods, consequences for missed deadlines, and assistance are available on the CDE CALPADS/CBEDS Charter School Data Reporting Policy web page.
• CALPADS Information: System documentation, training, and support are available on the CDE CALPADS web page. Contact the CALPADS Service Desk for queries.
• CBEDS Information: Forms, instructions, and training are available on the CDE CBEDS web page. Contact the CBEDS/CDS Support Office for queries.

Conclusion

Charter schools and their authorizing agencies must carefully review the available information, engage in thorough discussions to select the most suitable reporting method, and ensure compliance with all requirements. The annual review and potential change of reporting status should be a collaborative effort to maintain high-quality data reporting standards.

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