NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


National Organization Supports Stronger Standards but No Moratorium

With this morning’s announcement by Democratic state legislators in Michigan proposing a moratorium on new charter schools in the state, Greg Richmond, President and CEO of the National Association of Charter School …


NACSA Calls Annenberg Institute Accountability Report Disappointing, Incomplete

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) released the following statement in response to the recommendations in a report on authorizer accountability released yesterday by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University: …


National Association of Charter School Authorizers Lauds South Carolina’s Strong Stance on Charter Quality

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) congratulated the state of South Carolina for taking a notable step in improving the overall quality of the state’s charter school sector. In a …


National Association of Charter School Authorizers Lauds Tennessee’s Strong Stance on Charter Quality

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) congratulated the state of Tennessee for taking a notable step in improving the overall quality of the state’s charter school sector. In a statement …


National Association of Charter School Authorizers Announces Support for U.S. House Quality Charter Schools Bill

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) has announced its strong support for new legislation that focuses on both the growth and the quality of the charter school sector. The organization’s …


2023 Change Makers

Our 2023 Change Makers are people, in and around authorizing, who are working and persevering to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Their work reminds us of the connection between …


Applying Charter Authorizing Principles in the Early Childhood Field

This blog was written by Abby McCartney, Director, Early Care and Education, Afton Partners and Carrie Stewart, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Afton Partners Introduction: Early Care and Education at a Crossroads Despite …


2023 State of Charter Authorizing Report

Authorizing is the most consequential public school governance reform of the past two decades. For the last 20+ years, authorizers have been creating a new landscape, where school autonomy—balanced by fierce accountability …


The Way to More Community-Responsive Schools

Authorizers don’t develop or design new schools. But they are the gateways that help bring these schools to life, providing the conditions and expectations for what extraordinary schools and equitable learning experiences …


Why We Support the Empower Charter School Leaders Act

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) advances and strengthens the ideas and practices of authorizing so students and communities–especially those who are historically under-resourced–thrive. NACSA engages authorizers who oversee more …


We Need Better Research on “Regulation”

Outcomes for all students still matter. And outcomes matter now more than ever with accumulating evidence of inadequate progress in pandemic recovery efforts. And charter schools are achieving impressive outcomes for students. …


Applying Authorizing Principles Across Education

In 2022, NACSA thoroughly reviewed its historical work to identify the principles of quality authorizing with the greatest potential for broader applicability beyond the charter school sector. NACSA staff and advisors looked …


New Charter Schools Need Vetting. But the Process Shouldn’t Shut Good Ones Out

Over the last year, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers and our partners engaged nearly 150 school leaders, authorizers, organizations, prospective school founders and advocates — through interviews, focus groups, data …


NACSA’s New Schools With Communities Guide

In every community–especially those historically under-resourced–there is long-ignored and underutilized knowledge and potential. At the heart of NACSA’s work lies the recognition of these tremendous assets and a desire to work with …


Continuing Conversations on Multiple Measures

At NACSA, we work to ensure students and communities—especially those who are historically under-resourced—thrive. Thriving means different things for different students, schools, and communities. And to ensure we capture the value a …