The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) President and CEO Greg Richmond released the following statement today in response to a report by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University entitled, “Multiple Choice: Charter School Performance in 16 States.”

“We applaud the Center for Research on Education Outcomes for this important study, which provides a comprehensive analysis of student academic outcomes and identifies the authorizing crisis within the charter school sector. Too many of the agencies that oversee charter schools do not have the necessary resources to effectively monitor their schools or the legal authority to hold them accountable to high standards.”

“The cities and states that are performing well, like my home city of Chicago, have a long history of strong authorizing practices, high standards, and a rigorous selection process. Those performing poorly lack effective academic accountability standards and authorizing practices. This study sends a clear message that the key ingredient to a high-quality, successful charter school sector is high-quality authorizing.”