Are authorizers missing opportunities to approve innovative charter school models that could respond to student and family aspirations and needs?
Students and families have a variety of aspirations and needs. So it makes sense that schools should reflect that diversity in every way, from their structures to their missions to their curricula. A mix of different types of public schools ensures that every child can attend a school that meets their needs.
NACSA’s research suggests that charter school authorizers are, indeed, approving a diversity of charter school models. A closer look, however, reveals a dramatic range in approval rates from model to model, and state to state.
Our research also reveals authorizers’ significant impact on shaping educational opportunities: the schools ultimately getting approved do not reflect the full variety of those first proposed. This is good news, if authorizers are, in fact, screening out bad proposals. But it could signal a significant problem, if authorizers are missing opportunities to approve excellent ones that respond to student and family aspirations and needs.
So, are more innovative charter school models getting left by the wayside?
In our new report, Innovative and Diverse Charter Models: Addressing Policy Challenges, NACSA seeks to answer this question. We gathered insights from authorizers and partners to:
- Understand why innovative charter school models get approved or rejected; and
- Explore potential policy solutions to these challenges.
To read the full report—the basis for NACSA’s continued work to center communities to ensure all students thrive—click here.
Learn more about diverse charter school models here.
