NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


NACSA Cheers Passage of Comprehensive Charter School Reform Bill in Ohio

Today Ohio state lawmakers passed House Bill 2 (HB 2), a comprehensive charter school reform bill. In response, Amanda Fenton, director of state and federal policy at NACSA, issued the following statement: …


NACSA Urges Ohio Legislature to Pass Charter School Reform Bill

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) fully supports Ohio House Bill 2 (HB 2) as passed by the conference committee today. We are pleased with the legislatures’ commitment to this …


California Authorizers Take the Lead to Improve Charter School Quality and Oversight in State

NACSA commends the Alameda County Office of Education’s new Charter Authorizers’ Resource Network (CARSNet) and California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP) as they kick off the California Charter Authorizers Conference—the first-ever conference focused …


U.S. Department of Education Emphasizes Charter School Oversight, Including NACSA’s National Authorizing Standards

Chicago, Ill. — Today the U.S. Department of Education announced the next round of Charter Schools Program (CSP) grants. In a press conference, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan voiced his support …


NACSA Calls on Washington State Governor to Save Charter Schools

Over the past three years, Washington’s public officials have worked carefully to implement the state’s new charter school law. It is because of their work that more than 1,200 children throughout the …


How Steps to Overturn ESSA Rules Will Impact Authorizers’ Work

Today, the Senate passed a resolution to overturn ESSA Accountability Rules under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). With the resolution through the House, it now moves to the President’s desk. Given the …


To the NAACP: Rescind the Moratorium and Work With Us to Improve Charter School Oversight

Last month, Karega Rausch, NACSA Vice President of Research & Evaluation provided testimony at the NAACP’s public hearing about issues in charter schools in Orlando, Florida. Following his remarks, he penned an opinion piece urging …


Authorizer Voices: Access is More than Choice

Chloe grew up on Chicago’s South Side. When she was in 5th grade, her mom started looking for a great middle/high school—one that would stretch Chloe academically, support her in the challenging …


NACSA Testifies at NAACP Charter School Hearing

The NAACP held the latest of several public hearings about issues in charter schools today in Orlando, Florida. Karega Rausch, NACSA Vice President of Research & Evaluation was invited to testify on authorizing …


Your Q1 ESSA Checklist

1.) Check out the ESSA Transition Guide. If you haven’t already, read “Preparing for System-Level Changes” and put together your ESSA Transition work plan. Start by defining goals and expectations for the …


ESSA Transition: Kicking off 2017 with New Resources

Secretary-Nominee DeVos Confirmation Hearing On January 17, the Senate Help, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee conducted its hearing on Secretary-Nominee DeVos. Read our three takeaways for charter school authorizers related to charter school …


Deciphering State ESSA Plans

This month, I’ve worked my way through about a dozen draft state ESSA plans to get a general picture of changes that may impact charter school authorizers. This post dodges some of …


Three Takeaways for Authorizers: Education Secretary-Nominee DeVos Hearing

On 1/17/17 the Senate Help, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee conducting its hearing on Secretary-Nominee Betsy DeVos. Here are three short takeaways for charter school authorizers: Charter schools—specifically charter school oversight …


Report: Washington Charter School Policies Strongest in Nation

Washington ranks first in the country—tied with Indiana and Nevada—when it comes to state policies that promote a strong charter school sector, according to a new report out today from the National …


With Federal Investments in School Choice on the Horizon, Report Urges States to Improve Charter Policies

An analysis released today by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) calls for states to update charter policies to ensure that any increased spending on charter school expansion leads to …