In response to US Education Secretary John King’s speech today at the National Charter School Conference in Nashville, Tenn., Greg Richmond, president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) issued the following statement:

“We agree with Secretary King’s remarks and call on the nation’s authorizers to take swift action when schools are failing their students in any fashion.

“We appreciate the Secretary calling attention to suspensions and expulsions in all of public education. We agree with his statement that ‘the end goal isn’t just to reduce suspensions or expulsions. It is to help our students learn how to succeed in whatever setting they find themselves, in school and beyond.’

“Through increased transparency and innovative reporting, model authorizers around the country are promoting informed choice among parents and educators that is leading to school-driven decreases in suspensions and expulsions, without stifling the diversity of approaches to student discipline that are found in a robust sector.

“This is why NACSA is proud to be a part of the Charter Schools Equity Coalition, working to create solutions that will allow the sector to realize its full potential. In the coming weeks, NACSA will be releasing new research on authorizing practices related to student discipline, which will inform future discussions and solutions in the field.”

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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