Demographic Study SER-Niños Charter School BY MARIA ELENA BARTA

Charter School What is a charter school?  A charter school is an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. The "charter" establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment. What is the difference between charter schools and other public schools?  Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families choose them for their children. They operate with freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools. Charter schools are accountable for academic results and for upholding the promises made in their charters. They must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability. If a charter school does not meet performance goals, it may be closed. Are charter schools all the same?  No. Charter schools can vary a great deal in their design and in their results. Uncommon Schools creates schools based on the principles and practices that have proven successful in producing significant academic gains at high-performing urban charter public schools across the country.

SER-Niños Charter School

 SER-Niños Charter School is located in Southwest Houston, TX

SER-Niños Charter School Who were some of the individuals recognized as pioneers of the community?  Dianne Mancus, the Houston Hispanic Forum and community members.

SER-Niños Charter School History of SER-Niños  “SER-Niños was established in 1996 by Dianne Mancus, the Houston Hispanic Forum and community members. In 1996 SER-Niños opened it campus at the Bellaire Christian Church in the heart of the Houston Gulfton community. The school began with 155 students PreK to fourth grade. In 1997 fifth grade was added and in 2004 middle school was added.  SER-Niños offers high quality instruction, enrichment activities and family support to help students excel academically, socially and emotionally.” This above information is from the SER-Niños webpage

SER-Niños Charter School How many schools and facilities are contained in the district?  SER-Niños Charter School has three school, two elementary and one middle school. When was the campus opened?  1996 SER-Niños opened it campus at the Bellaire Christian Church in the heart of the Houston Gulfton community. Why was the campus given its specific name?  “SER-Niños means being a child” by Dianne Mancus

SER-Niños Charter School What is the chain of command in the school?  Teachers report the school principal and the school principal reports to the superintendent. How is the campus site-based committee selected and how does it function?  The campus site-based committee is selected and function by the Board of Directors Committee

SER-Niños Charter School What is the district enrollment? (disaggregate by ethnicity, socio-economics, grade level, etc).  90% Hispanic and other 10% other ethnicities  Provide services to low-income families  Grades: pre-kindergarten to eight grade.

SER-Niños Charter School What is the school enrollment?  Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity  African American 12.7%  Hispanic 51.3%  White 0.2%  American Indian 0.3%  Asian 0.5%  Pacific Islander 0.0%  Two or More Races 0.2%  Enrollment by Student Group  Economically Disadvantaged 95.8%  English Language Learners 93.2%  Special Education 3.7%

SER-Niños Charter School What are the strong and weak areas of student performance on state exams?  Reading 74%  Mathematics 78%  Writing 80% (strong)  Science 57% (weak)

SER-Niños Charter School What are the socio-economic levels of the families?  Low-income families How active are families in various school activities?  “A Parent Center staffed with a Parent Liaison coordinates parent education classes, support, and community outreach. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and be part of the learning community. English as a Second Language classes are offered for the parents and the community. Health and other educational seminars are also offered. There are literacy celebrations once a month. The parents and children are encouraged to read, dance and sing at these celebrations. Math and Science Night are offered once a month. Parent Socials are held once each semester. Parents are involved in Parent committees.” From SER-Niños Charter School webpage.

SER-Niños Charter School How is the PTO/PTA organized?  PTO is organized by parents who help the school during special events. Are there any significant geographical characteristics that might impact students or families?  “Family Support Team  SER-Niños Charter School Family Support Team is also a key component in helping students reach their goals. An important part of the Family Support Team’s work in school-based intervention is the development of preventive programs for common problems that may be interfering with students’ success.  The team’s mission includes for target areas:  improving attendance  assuring the academic success of children through school-based interventions  involving parents in their children’s education and  promoting the integration of social services for families and children into the school setting” From SER-Niños Charter School webpage.

SER-Niños Charter School Family Support Team’s mission includes for target areas:  improving attendance  assuring the academic success of children through school-based interventions  involving parents in their children’s education and  promoting the integration of social services for families and children into the school setting” From SER-Niños Charter School webpage.

SER-Niños Charter School Professional Staff What are the levels of education, years of experience, and demographic characteristics of professional staff at the district level?  Teachers must have a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Texas Certification. No years of experience is necessary. What are the levels of education, years of experience, and demographic characteristics of professional staff at the campus level?  Teachers must have a college’s degree and a Teacher Texas Certification. No years of experience is necessary.

SER-Niños Charter School Potential areas for improvement  1. improve in the area of Special education due that the school does not have the appropriate services for students with special needs.  2. Have more special education teachers to support the students with special needs.  3. Have educational classes for the parents such as: math, reading, etc…  4. This school can provide special services for the parents such as parenting class, cooking class…

Reference: SER-Niños Charter School Uncommon Schools is-charter-school