Authorizing Practice - The authorizer develops/maintains protocols for the effective oversight and support of charter schools.
Proficiency: Plan/set mission and vision for authorizer with clear goals that align with the community and geography allowing autonomy for charter schools.
Learning
Introduction
This module provides an introduction to charter school authorizing. Relying on the Cycle of Effective Authorizing, the session considers the core component of charter school authorizing and the importance of clear processes. Starting with charter school application reviews, participants will discuss how performance expectations are communicated and assessed over the course of a charter contract and lead to the renewal process. Participants will reflect on their own authorizing and how the authorization of charter schools can help their community meet needs with high quality charter school authorizing.
Responsibilities of an Authorizer
According to the National Association of Charter School Authorizers Principles and Standards (2018) charter school authorizers are responsible for the oversight of charter schools. They do this oversight by ensuring that schools have both the autonomy to which they are entitled and the public accountability for which they are responsible.
Charter School authorizers have three main responsibilities or core principles:
Maintain high standards for schools
Uphold school autonomy
Protect student and public interests
WRCCS Authorizing Best Practices Overview This document is an overview of authorizing in Wisconsin complete with resources and information to support new and existing authorizers.
Cycle of Effective Authorizing This graphic highlights the five key components or processes that authorizers need to have in place in order to be effective.
Authorizer Best Practices 101 Slides The information, video, and resources in this course will reference these PowerPoint slides. Download these slides and use them as a guide for the remaining activities within this Buzz Course.
Authorizer Best Practices Video Watch this overview video on charter school authorizing. Notice the importance of creating strong school relationships and systems for accountability. Pay close attention to the Cycle of Effective Authorizing to gain a clear perspective of how all the responsibilities of an authorizer are connected. As you go through this video, take the time to complete the Authorizer 101 Notes Sheet that parallels the learning in the video.
Authorizer 101 Notes Sheet This worksheet includes specific reflection questions that every authorizer should ask within each of the five main components of effective authorizing. Download this sheet and use it in parallel with the video and resources. Begin to formulate answers to the following reflection questions:
Authorization Reflection (Slide 13): How can we improve our authorization process? Or how can we use authorization to address known community needs?
Performance Contracting Reflection (Slide 14-15): What is missing from our charter contracts?
Oversight Reflection (Slide 17): How can we effectively fulfill our oversight and preserve school autonomy?
Corrective Action/Intervention (Slide 19): How can we intervene to help schools without compromising their autonomy?
Charter School Authorizer Legal Requirements FAQ Sheet This frequently asked questions document will help answer many of your questions around legal requirements of charter schools. If you do not see an answer to your questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to WRCCS.
Getting Started with Authorizing Are you looking to get started as an authorizer? Use this infographic to guide you through the process of authorizing. Authorizing is a consistent process that has duties throughout the year. Each unique responsibility of an authorizer is highlighted. If you are looking for more in-depth information about each responsibility, explore WRCCS resources and the other authorizer courses.
Applying
Applying
Final Reflection:
Which areas of the Cycle of Effective Authorizing do we need to address? Explain.
Who do we need to involve to support our office’s improvements?
Complete and share on the share board your action plan using this Action plan template. Make sure to review back to the content in the module to help identify action items for your action plans.
WRCCS Authorizing Best Practices Overview This document is an overview of authorizing in Wisconsin, complete with resources and information to support new and existing authorizer.
