NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


National Association of Charter School Authorizers Appoints Education Leaders to National Advisory Board

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of seven distinguished professionals to its National Advisory Board. The 23- member board is comprised of leaders from …


National Survey Shows Charter School Closure Rates Dropped in 2010-2011 School Year

January 30, 2012 (Chicago, Ill.) – A report released today by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) indicates charter school closures have declined over the past three years. These findings …


NACSA Hails Congressional Action to Strengthen Charter School Authorizing

In adopting the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, Congress recognizes for the first time the important role charter school authorizers play in determining charter school quality, winning it praise from the National …


NACSA Announces 2009 Awards for Excellence

The NACSA Awards for Excellence program celebrates individuals and organizations that advance the authorizing profession in three fields: • Advancing Knowledge, • Improving Policy, and • Improving Practice. NACSA announced the 2009 …


The Fund for Authorizing Excellence

NACSA established The Fund for Authorizing Excellence (The Fund) earlier this year to provide direct support to NACSA members who are working to create charter environments that foster schools with high student …


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 …