A Strategy for Accountability, Quality and Growth

Building a new generation of public schools requires supporting new types of schools that show promise for kids, families and teachers.   First, charter schools need a reasonable amount of time to prove themselves. They must measure student and school progress by multiple indicators-- including student achievement over time.   Second, we must expand and replicate proven and successful public charter schools while support closing the ones that do not perform well under the terms of their charter.   Finally, the entire charter school movement must rest on the foundation of a solid charter law, which must highlight strong accountability measures for schools and authorizers, assure autonomy and freedom from laws and regulations, mandate equitable funding and lastly, avoid any caps on growth.

To support higher levels of school and student performance, the NM Coalition for Charter Schools has developed new resources to help charter schools improve their performance.  While membership in the Coalition is voluntary, members are asked to sign our Quality Standards to support the stability and success of individual schools as well as the state and national charter school movement.   To support quality school growth, we work with new charter school applicants and with schools seeking renewal by offering workshops and targeted assistance.  Our performance management and strategic planning experts are available to work with schools to align performance goals with yearly action plans.    
Along with our quality standards, the NM Coalition for Charter Schools endorses the following five principles of quality chartering as endorsed by the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools and other state charter support organizations across the country:

• Quality is more important than quantity. Growth with clear performance for both charter schools and authorizers is not an end in itself.
• The primary aim of charter schools is to elevate student achievement.
• Charter school accountability must be internal and external—relying on state mandated tests is not sufficient enough. Charter schools must embrace many types of student assessments.
• People make the difference.  A high priority must be placed on recruiting, training and supporting the new kinds of leaders that work in charter schools.
• Since charter schools are public schools, the students who attend them are entitled to the same level of financial support as other public school students.
• Every organization that supports or represents charter schools must be a force for quality, including state charter support organizations, authorizers, public education department and non-profit groups.

Building a new generation of public schools requires supporting new types of schools that show promise for kids, families and teachers. First, charter schools need a reasonable amount of time to prove themselves. They must measure student and school progress by multiple indicators-- including student achievement over time. Second, we must expand and replicate proven and successful public charter schools while support closing the ones that do not perform well under the terms of their charter. Finally, the entire charter school movement must rest on the foundation of a solid charter law, which must highlight strong accountability measures for schools and authorizers, assure autonomy and freedom from laws and regulations, mandate equitable funding and lastly, avoid any caps on growth.

To support higher levels of school and student performance, the NM Coalition for Charter Schools has developed new resources to help charter schools improve their performance.  While membership in the Coalition is voluntary, members are asked to sign our Quality Standards to support the stability and success of individual schools as well as the state and national charter school movement.   To support quality school growth, we work with new charter school applicants and with schools seeking renewal by offering workshops and targeted assistance. Our performance management and strategic planning experts are available to work with schools to align performance goals with yearly action plans.  

Along with our quality standards, the NM Coalition for Charter Schools endorses the following five principles of quality chartering as endorsed by the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools¹ and other state charter support organizations across the country:  

1. Quality is more important than quantity. Growth with clear performance for both charter schools and authorizers is not an end in itself.
2. The primary aim of charter schools is to elevate student achievement.
3. Charter school accountability must be internal and external—relying on state mandated tests is not sufficient enough. Charter schools must embrace many types of student assessments.
4. People make the difference.  A high priority must be placed on recruiting, training and supporting the new kinds of leaders that work in charter schools.
5. Since charter schools are public schools, the students who attend them are entitled to the same level of financial support as other public school students.
6. Every organization that supports or represents charter schools must be a force for quality, including state charter support organizations, authorizers, public education department and non-profit groups.