NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


National Association of Charter School Authorizers Elects Leaders

James N. Goenner, Executive Director of Central Michigan University’s Center for Charter Schools, was elected last week to serve as Vice Chair of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA). NACSA …


Charter Schools Perform when District & Political Backing is Evident

Chicago — Charter school performance varies considerably across the nation, as indicated by today’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data, but the independent public schools outperform traditional schools when political and …


From the City of Brotherly Love: A Way Beyond Our Public Education Weaknesses

On March 10, 2016, NACSA President and CEO Greg Richmond delivered these remarks to a gathering of Philadelphia Charters for Excellence. We all have had experiences in schools that shape our feelings, …


NACSA Applauds Passage of Washington State Bill to Save Charter Schools

CHICAGO – Yesterday, the Washington State House of Representatives passed SB 6194, a bipartisan bill allowing public charter schools to continue operating in the state. In response, Greg Richmond, president and CEO …


New Report Examines Loophole that Allows Failing Charter Schools to Remain Open

Calls to close loophole known as “authorizer shopping” in order to provide better opportunities for kids A new report released today by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) finds authorizer …


One Authorizer in California, Part 1: ‘Charter Wars’ and Chocolate

Here are edited excerpts of Part 1 of our Story Suite conversation with Gail Greely, director of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a program of the Alameda County Office of Education. …


Authorizing Matters in New Health of Charter Movement Report

Yesterday, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (the Alliance) released the second edition of its Health of the Charter Public School Movement report. The report contains a wealth of information about the …


What You Need to Know, Now: 3/4/16

1/28/16 Dear Colleague Letter, 2/26/16 FAQs Last week, the US Department of Education issued a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) document concerning the transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The …


This #SuperTuesday, Demand Quality Charters Be Part of the Discussion

While many of us are tired of well-worn campaign tropes such as “the kids are our future,” education issues aren’t getting much traction at all in the primary campaigns. We’re ready to …


Charter Schools in Alabama: A Deliberate Foundation for Quality

Alabama has been a special interest of mine ever since I started working at NACSA. Coming from a life and career in a state with the 2nd oldest charter school law, California, …


Are More Authorizers Needed in Louisiana?

Since 2012, Louisiana has allowed for “local charter authorizers” to be approved by the state board for authorizing authority.  By law a local charter authorizer can be a state agency or nonprofit …


Future Authorizers in Alabama: Finding Common Ground

Here are edited excerpts from our Story Suite conversation with two leaders learning about the potential to authorize charter schools in Alabama: Eleanor Dawkins and Melissa Snowden, both members of the Montgomery County …