SARC Preparation Guide for Nonpublic Schools

Pursuant to Chapter 914, Statutes of 2004 (Assembly Bill 1858), all nonpublic, nonsectarian schools are required to prepare a SARC in accordance with Education Code Section 33126. This new requirement applies to nonpublic, nonsectarian schools but does not apply to nonpublic, nonsectarian agencies. The new law became effective January 1, 2005.

To assist nonpublic schools in complying with this new requirement, the California Department of Education (CDE) has a SARC template that is available for downloading at 2006-07 SARC. At this page, select the "SARC Template in Word (blank)" link; do not select the "SARC Template (with data)" link. Data element definitions that support the template are available at 2006-07 SARC.

In determining how to prepare a nonpublic school report card, the template and data definitions should be reviewed with two considerations in mind. First, if a particular reporting element is not applicable (such as graduation rate data for a school whose mission does not involve "graduation" in the conventional sense), this reporting element should not be included in the completed report card. Second, if there are no data or other information available for a particular reporting element (such as state assessment results in a case where the students are not required to be tested), this reporting element should not be included in the completed report card.

For most nonpublic schools, the report card should include at least contact information, a school description and mission statement, a narrative about opportunities for parental involvement, a description of the school's facility conditions and safety plans, information about staff qualifications, and a description of the educational materials that are used at the school. Additional information about the school that might be of interest to parents and the community can be added. The template may also be redesigned to suit the school's design preferences. Please note that although the use of the template is not mandatory, the template does contain all the reporting elements required under both state and federal law.

The completed SARC should not be sent to the CDE. If the school has Internet access, the completed SARC must be posted on the Internet. The school should notify the CDE of the address where the SARC is posted by using the form at Update Your SARC Web Site Link.

The school should ensure that all parents are notified about the availability of the SARC and are provided with instructions about how the SARC can be obtained both through the Internet (if feasible) and on paper (by request). The school is also encouraged to have copies of the SARC available in the school office and at public forums or parent events.

To ensure timely receipt of important messages sent to all SARC coordinators, a school representative should provide the CDE with current contact information at Update Your SARC Coordinator.