Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Authorizing

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Authorizing

Quality authorizing can exist within many contexts and structures. One of those contexts is within higher education institutions (HEIs). We examined how and what HEIs contribute to the charter schools’ landscape. This includes the policy landscape, unique challenges and tensions faced by HEIs, and the benefits of college sand universities engaging in authorizing.

NACSA conducted focus groups, interviews, and surveys with 19 authorizing professionals to learn about their experiences with and approach to charter school authorizing. The authorizing professionals who participated in this research project oversaw 81% of the charter schools overseen by HEI authorizers nationally. This research is an opportunity to share best practices and possibilities for students, and to inform future policy. These lessons learned can and should encourage other colleges and universities to consider charter school authorizing.

Learn more about HEI authorizing and our findings here.


Most Recent Posts
NACSACon 2026: Learning in Community
Good authorizing doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through shared knowledge and, honest conversations. It’s buoyed by a professional field that holds itself to high standards. NACSACon brings that community...
Beyond the Mold: Equipping Authorizers to Evaluate Innovative Schools
By David Greenberg and Jason Zwara Raising the Bar on Accountability Last year, we made several important updates to our state policy recommendations. These changes were critical to accountability in...
NACSA Statement on Rhode Island Charter School Moratorium
NACSA is calling on Governor McKee to protect both families’ access to high-quality public schools. and the integrity of Rhode Island’s charter school system by vetoing legislation that would impose...