Resources

NEA Policy Statement on Charter Schools

Embracing higher standards, more accountability and increased local control, delegates to the 2001 NEA Representative Assembly adopted a charter school policy designed to provide all students attending public charter schools with quality education. The policy, written by a special committee of NEA leaders and educators including charter school teachers, sets forth criteria and guidelines for charter school laws.

Education Policy Studies Laboratory, Arizona State University

The Education Policy Research Unit (EPRU) of the Education Policy Studies Laboratory, directed by Professor Alex Molnar, conducts original research, provides independent analyses of research and policy documents, and facilitates the implementation of innovations in areas such as student performance standards, assessment and curriculum. EPRU disseminates its reports, analyses and other documents to policy makers, educators and the public.

National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education

The National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education provides independent, non-partisan information on and analysis of privatization in education. The Center's program includes research, evaluation, conferences, publications and dissemination on a full range of issues regarding privatization of education from pre-school to higher education, both national and international.

ECS Offers Charter School Issues Page

The Education Commission of the States has assembled a charter school issues page, that provides links to a database of state policies, and pro-charter research and policy briefs.

U.S. Department of Education

The Office of Innovation and Improvement administers the Public Charter Schools Program, which supports the planning, development and initial implementation of charter schools; and the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program and the State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program, both of which help charter schools secure facilities. It also issues reports, program guidance and policy letters.

National Association of Charter School Authorizers

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) is a nonprofit membership association of educational agencies across the country that promote the establishment and operation of quality charter schools through responsible oversight in the public interest. Although some materials are available to members only, the organization's principles and standards for quality charter authorizing, as well as policy briefs that reflect the positions of charter advocates, are available online, and other publications are available for a shipping and handling fee.