The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) recognizes today’s release of a study by the Education Trust—Midwest (ETM) entitled “Accountability for All: The Need for Real Charter School Authorizer Accountability in Michigan.”

Alex Medler, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy of NACSA, said, “We think this report is the latest step in the right direction as Michigan continues to discuss how to improve charter school authorizing. Authorizer evaluations are valuable tools in the larger effort to strengthen charter school oversight. Ultimately, and more importantly, they can help the state to improve charter school performance.”

NACSA works to ensure that authorizers—the entities designated by state law to approve, deny and monitor charter school applications in their states—keep high standards to ensure quality public school choices for all kids.

There are many ways to evaluate charter school authorizers. “ETM has done a service by presenting their view on that evaluation process, which focuses on the academic results of the schools,” Medler stated. “Beyond academic performance, NACSA’s Principles and Standards for Quality Charter School Authorizing recognize additional responsibilities that all authorizers share. This includes the responsibility to protect the rights of all students and to look after the interests of the tax payer.”

“We are encouraged by the progress in the discussion in Michigan,” Medler emphasized. “NACSA stands ready to assist in efforts to ensure the wide-spread use of best practices among all authorizers in the state.”