NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


Multi-State Analysis of Charter School Proposals and Approvals Reveals a Diverse Sector Shaped by Authorizers

Report uncovers increased share of freestanding school proposals, decrease in for-profit and “No Excuses” proposals, and few proposals receive philanthropic support.  CHICAGO — A new report released today by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) offers a never-before-seen …


New Digital Campaign Highlights the Need to Improve Charter School Authorizing

New explainer videos demystify the role of charter school authorizers, which remains largely misunderstood 25 years into the charter school movement. The critical role authorizers play in determining the overall quality of …


NACSA CEO Testifies to Congress on Power of Charter School Authorizing

On June 13, 2018, NACSA President and CEO Greg Richmond and a select panel of education reform leaders will testify in front of the House Education and Workforce Committee on the value of charter …


NACSA Testifies on CA Authorizing Bill SB 1362

Today, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Policy Director Veronica Brooks-Uy will testify before the California Senate Education Committee on SB 1362, a bill that addresses charter school authorizing issues …


New Report Identifies What Charter School Authorizers Do Differently to Achieve High-Performing Portfolios

New report finds successful authorizing depends on great leadership, institutional commitment, and strong professional judgment CHICAGO — Today, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) releases “Leadership, Commitment, Judgment: Elements of …


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 …


ESSA Final Regulation Issued: What Authorizers Need to Know

The US Education Department has issued its final rule governing state accountability plans. This rule will guide how states will hold K-12 schools accountable under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Authorizers …


Three Post-Election Observations for Authorizers

The whole nation is trying to decipher the lessons from this week’s elections. While it’s early to know all of the implications of the results, we believe three things are true: Charter …


2016 NACSA Leadership Conference: Message from Our CEO

On October 25, 2016, NACSA President and CEO Greg Richmond delivered these remarks as part of the 2016 NACSA Leadership Conference. As we start our conference, I would like to share a …