Coaching &
Consulting

We do three things really well:
coaching, consulting and inspiring!

This is what the charter movement is all about. And it's why we are so passionate about what we do. We believe in helping people and organizations achieve breakthrough performance. Receive professional, candid and objective advice from a trusted and respected source. We provide coaching and consulting services for authorizers, schools, boards and support organizations. We help organizations overcome challenges and remain steadfast on their journey from good to great.

The 4 characteristics of an alpha authorizer

Authorizers—and the critical role they play in the charter sector—are not well understood. At the Institute, we know great authorizing is an art and a science - and we know it matters. The laws and regulations governing charter schools vary by state - and so do the roles and responsibilities of authorizers. The 1,015 active authorizers in America differ greatly in their commitment and capacity. But they all share three functions in common: gatekeeping, overseeing, and evaluating performance. Some authorizers are capable of doing much more though. We call these Alpha Authorizers. They go beyond the basics and function as catalysts for innovation and excellence.

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is an ideologically conservative American nonprofit education policy think tank
The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is an ideologically conservative American nonprofit education policy think tank
Change Agents
  • Challenge the “givens”
  • Foster an environment that attracts talent, capital and entrepreneurship
  • Influence policy and practice
  • Provide leadership and ideas for improving education
Market Makers
  • Change the incentives by withdrawing the exclusive
    franchise
  • Charter new schools so people have choices
  • Foster an environment that attracts can-do people
Central Michigan University was the first university in the nation to authorize a charter school and has remained a national leader in authorizing since 1994
Central Michigan University was the first university in the nation to authorize a charter school and has remained a national leader in authorizing since 1994
Grand Valley State University charters more than 70 school buildings, serving more than 35,000 students in grades K-12
Grand Valley State University charters more than 70 school buildings, serving more than 35,000 students in grades K-12
Forces of Quality
  • Preserve discretionary judgment and autonomy
  • Differentiate practices
  • Thoroughly screen applications and applicants
  • Issue performance-based charter contracts
  • Measure and evaluate performance
  • Intervene when people fail to perform
Catalysts for Excellence
  • Protect, preserve and advance the idea behind
    chartering
  • Make authorizing an understood and respected
    profession
  • Recognize and reward performance
  • Encourage the replication and expansion of success
SUNY authorizes 186 charter schools across New York State for over 86,000 students, including and Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School (pictured)
SUNY authorizes 186 charter schools across New York State for over 86,000 students, including and Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School (pictured)

Download our Excellence in
Authorizing Handout!

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