Last night, HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver ran a segment on charter school oversight. In response, Greg Richmond, president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) issued the following statement:

“John Oliver’s segment was simply the latest in a string of public calls for stronger charter accountability, and we agree that authorizers and policymakers can and must do better by kids.

“But we are frustrated that critics, including Oliver, continue to go back years to cherry pick stale anecdotes while ignoring the real progress in charter accountability happening now. For example, Florida recently developed professional standards for charter authorizing, and Ohio passed a strong accountability law last year. In fact, among states with charter schools, nearly half have taken steps to strengthen charter oversight in the last four years.

“Good oversight also doesn’t just mean good policies. A law is only as good as its execution. Quality authorizing matters, and that’s why NACSA will continue to push for smart policies and faithful implementation by dedicated people who will set the bar high.”

NACSA reports on how well public policy is ensuring charter school and authorizer accountability in its annual State Policy Analysis, as well as how authorizers are implementing national authorizing standards in its State of Charter School Authorizing report.

ABOUT NACSA

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) is an independent voice for effective charter school policy and thoughtful charter authorizing practices that lead to more great public schools. Our research, policy, and consultation work advances excellence and accountability in the charter school sector. With authorizers and other partners, we have built the gold standard for charter school authorizing. Through smart charter school growth, these authorizers will give hundreds of thousands of children an opportunity for a better education each year. More at www.qualitycharters.org

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