As we close out 2024, I am filled with gratitude and purpose. Gratitude for the extraordinary work happening across the charter school sector to advance a defining truth about our work: accountability and innovation are not opposites, but partners. Together they are the twin forces propelling student success and transforming education. I am also filled with a deep sense of purpose because there is much to be done, most importantly working to advance student learning and engagement. And as I think of the opportunities—and challenges—ahead of us in 2025, I want to take a moment to share some reflections about our work this year.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Significant challenges persist, requiring our best work in 2025 and beyond. Four years after the pandemic, we’re still watching student learning recovery struggle. Chronic absenteeism, disengagement, low achievement, and general inequities are stark reminders that students need us to work better and differently so they can live fulfilling lives. And that’s the unique perspective of charter school authorizers, though: we are uniquely positioned to address trends—the good and the bad—by leveraging our dual focus on innovation and results to drive systemic changes. But the road ahead requires more vigilance. This means avoiding overregulation that stifles innovation while ensuring accountability remains rigorous and effective. Whether it’s streamlining application processes or rethinking credit requirements, creating conditions where great ideas can flourish without compromising high standards should remain our north star.
Celebrating Progress and Innovation
We can overcome these challenges because of our ability to reimagine education. From schools designed to address career readiness to those focused on the classics to those building learning environments where students from many different backgrounds can thrive together, the breadth of innovation across our sector remains unmatched. The data is clear: Innovation is happening and thriving! On top of that, #NACSACon24 was one of our biggest and best yet, allowing authorizers from across the country to learn from one another and push thinking on what’s possible to new heights!
The Power of Accountability
This year also reminded us of accountability’s essential role in ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education. We know that strong authorizing practices and high accountability standards lead to better outcomes for students, especially in underserved communities. But accountability must evolve! We must demand excellence in foundational competencies like literacy and numeracy, and explore new measures of success. Whether leveraging AI to track real-time student progress or crafting rigorous, school-specific goals, the future of accountability is as dynamic as the sector itself.
Through these 2024 reflections, we must commit to the work ahead in 2025 and beyond. Our collective success depends on embracing a bold vision where innovation and accountability remain inseparable. I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but innovation and accountability are so critical to the work ahead. It’s that one-two punch that helps us to continue championing schools that challenge norms, serve diverse needs, and set the bar high for student success.
This also means prioritizing NACSA’s commitment to you by doubling down on our efforts to empower authorizers, advocate for policies that balance flexibility with rigor, and expand the understanding of accountability as a tool for growth—not just consequences. Together we will drive progress that lifts all boats, ensuring every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to the education they deserve.
So cheers to 2024, and to the educators, policymakers, advocates, and of course, authorizers who worked so hard for students—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let’s carry this momentum forward. Our students—and their futures—depend on it.
Here’s to 2025 and beyond!
M. Karega Rausch, Ph.D.
President & CEO, National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA)
