Multiple Charter Authorizing Options

The presence of multiple authorizers can strengthen a state’s charter school sector because this diversity can promote professional practices among authorizers and provide checks and balances in charter approval, oversight, and renewal decisions, says this policy guide from the National Association of Charter School Authorizers. It compares different arrangements for multiple authorizers, lists key considerations on the topic, and presents recommendations for policymakers. These include: Tap authorizers that will embrace the chartering role; ensure that authorizers have sufficient resources to do their work; and offer applicants at least two quality authorizer options in a given jurisdiction.