Excellence is never an accident. It’s the result of people choosing—day after day—to act boldly on behalf of kids. This year, I’ve seen that spirit everywhere: in authorizers raising the bar, boards leaning into their duties, and school leaders refusing to settle for “good enough.” You are the stewards of possibility and the guardians of…
How Chartering Can Build a Better Future for Students, Educators, and Communities A Tribute to Ted Kolderie at 95 By Jim Goenner, Ph.D. Everything Becomes Obsolete Everything that stops growing and adapting eventually becomes obsolete. Not because it fails, but because the world keeps changing. The horse did not fail; the car made it unnecessary. Candles did…
Movements change what’s possible. Sectors protect what is. By Jim Goenner, Ph.D.Published in CharterFolk | November 2025 I’m grateful to be part of the charter schools movement. We are a group of spirited, strong-willed, opinionated mavericks. We don’t think alike, act alike, or look alike. But we are united by something deeper: a conviction that every child deserves a great education, and the “one best system” is standing in the way…
The 2025 A-GAME Award Gala was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Held during the A-GAME Convening in Atlanta, the event brought together visionary authorizers and partner organizations who are leading the way in redefining charter school accountability. With a red carpet welcome, elegant atmosphere, and a powerful spirit of gratitude, the gala…
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Booth #606, joined us in a session, or simply said hello in the hallway during NCSC25! Whether you joined us at the Board & Authorizer Homeroom, attended one of our panels, or just popped into the photo booth for a moment of fun—we loved connecting with you. We…
Orlando, FL | June 29 – July 2 When we boarded our flights to Orlando for the National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC25), our team carried more than just luggage. We brought a mission to guide us: Bold by Choice. This mantra sets the tone for everything we do. It reflects how we show up for…
Thank you for starting your day with us at the Board and Authorizer Homeroom at NCSC25! It was a pleasure to connect and engage with leaders like you—people who know and care that chartering is more than policy. It’s a promise we are proving together. We hope you gained bold ideas, wise questions, and new…
Dear Authorizers, On April 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond—a case that challenges how courts have interpreted the constitutional boundaries of public education in recent decades. At the center is St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, approved by the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board….
What’s Happening & Why It Matters Dear Colleagues: Just about every charter school conversation these days turns to Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, the two U.S. Supreme Court cases that could affect the future of charter schools everywhere. Robust debate is fundamental to the idea and practice of chartering…
This presentation highlights some of our partners who are authorizers Changing the Arc of Education through personalizing education. Speakers emphasize the need for flexibility in curriculum to address students’ diverse needs and the necessity of eliminating bureaucratic hurdles to better serve students. Jim Goenner, Ph.D., discusses the transformative power of education and the challenges of…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Building Relationship (Interview of Indra Ciccarelli) A-GAME: Measuring Student Quality (Interview of Joseph Escobedo, Ed.D.) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview of Erin…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Self-Reflect (Interview of Lindsey Omlar and Emily Gaskill) A-GAME: Measuring Student Quality (Interview of Joseph Escobedo, Ed.D.) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Self-Reflect (Interview of Lindsey Omlar and Emily Gaskill) A-GAME: Building Relationship (Interview of Indra Ciccarelli) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview of Erin…
The National Charter Schools Institute is leading the search for the da Vinci Schools which is seeking a Superintendent who has the passion, knowledge, and skills to lead and grow a well-established and yet innovative charter public school in Jackson, Michigan. This school is located on two campuses, one serving primary age students and the…
Recorded April 25, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series
Discover why strategic planning is more than just a document — it’s about actionable strategies that drive lasting change. Learn the importance of diverse voices in the process and how both governing boards and school leaders, both with a wide range of responsibilities, play crucial roles in bringing a vision to life. Don’t miss out on unlocking the true potential of strategic planning!
The National Charter Schools Institute is thrilled to join Dr. Bernadine Futrell, Assistant Secretary for Equity and Discretionary Grants and Support Services, and Dr. Anna Hinton, Director Parental Options and Improvement, both from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. This exciting webinar, in which the Institute, along with its partners…
March 28, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series Safe schools start with a focus on creating an authentic school climate that puts students first. Join Wendy Larvick, Institute Director of Policy & Partnerships, as she talks with Raihan Akther, Ed.S., Principal, Bridge Academy West, and Chris White, Ed.D., Director of Assessment and Evaluation, Central Michigan…
Recorded February 22, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series Successful schools have strong boards and great leaders. We believe it is critically important to establish roles and responsibilities between the chief executive and the board. Boards that govern for greatness understand that management’s role in the budget development process is mission critical. Join us for…
See how Grand Valley State University and Flint Cultural Center Academy work together to advance education. Download Resource Watch the Featurette of the Flint Cultural Center Academy
Play Video
Virtual Convening: April 3, 2024 Back to 2024 A-GAME Convenings This A-GAME Convening aims to explore the transformative power of Indicators of Distress (IoD) in shaping sustainable educational practices. Too often, we wait for schools to fail to identify them for improvement strategies. What would happen if schools could identify and address potential concerns before…
Excellence is never an accident. It’s the result of people choosing—day after day—to act boldly on behalf of kids. This year, I’ve seen that spirit everywhere: in authorizers raising the bar, boards leaning into their duties, and school leaders refusing to settle for “good enough.” You are the stewards of possibility and the guardians of…
How Chartering Can Build a Better Future for Students, Educators, and Communities A Tribute to Ted Kolderie at 95 By Jim Goenner, Ph.D. Everything Becomes Obsolete Everything that stops growing and adapting eventually becomes obsolete. Not because it fails, but because the world keeps changing. The horse did not fail; the car made it unnecessary. Candles did…
Movements change what’s possible. Sectors protect what is. By Jim Goenner, Ph.D.Published in CharterFolk | November 2025 I’m grateful to be part of the charter schools movement. We are a group of spirited, strong-willed, opinionated mavericks. We don’t think alike, act alike, or look alike. But we are united by something deeper: a conviction that every child deserves a great education, and the “one best system” is standing in the way…
The 2025 A-GAME Award Gala was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Held during the A-GAME Convening in Atlanta, the event brought together visionary authorizers and partner organizations who are leading the way in redefining charter school accountability. With a red carpet welcome, elegant atmosphere, and a powerful spirit of gratitude, the gala…
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Booth #606, joined us in a session, or simply said hello in the hallway during NCSC25! Whether you joined us at the Board & Authorizer Homeroom, attended one of our panels, or just popped into the photo booth for a moment of fun—we loved connecting with you. We…
Orlando, FL | June 29 – July 2 When we boarded our flights to Orlando for the National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC25), our team carried more than just luggage. We brought a mission to guide us: Bold by Choice. This mantra sets the tone for everything we do. It reflects how we show up for…
Thank you for starting your day with us at the Board and Authorizer Homeroom at NCSC25! It was a pleasure to connect and engage with leaders like you—people who know and care that chartering is more than policy. It’s a promise we are proving together. We hope you gained bold ideas, wise questions, and new…
Dear Authorizers, On April 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond—a case that challenges how courts have interpreted the constitutional boundaries of public education in recent decades. At the center is St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, approved by the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board….
What’s Happening & Why It Matters Dear Colleagues: Just about every charter school conversation these days turns to Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, the two U.S. Supreme Court cases that could affect the future of charter schools everywhere. Robust debate is fundamental to the idea and practice of chartering…
This presentation highlights some of our partners who are authorizers Changing the Arc of Education through personalizing education. Speakers emphasize the need for flexibility in curriculum to address students’ diverse needs and the necessity of eliminating bureaucratic hurdles to better serve students. Jim Goenner, Ph.D., discusses the transformative power of education and the challenges of…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Building Relationship (Interview of Indra Ciccarelli) A-GAME: Measuring Student Quality (Interview of Joseph Escobedo, Ed.D.) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview of Erin…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Self-Reflect (Interview of Lindsey Omlar and Emily Gaskill) A-GAME: Measuring Student Quality (Interview of Joseph Escobedo, Ed.D.) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview…
Play Video Learn More about A-GAME More A-GAME Videos Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024 A-GAME: Self-Reflect (Interview of Lindsey Omlar and Emily Gaskill) A-GAME: Building Relationship (Interview of Indra Ciccarelli) A-GAME Convening – February 14, 2024 A-GAME: WestEd’s Indicators of Distress (Interview of Dr. Aimee Evan) A-GAME: Tools for Authorizers (Interview of Erin…
The National Charter Schools Institute is leading the search for the da Vinci Schools which is seeking a Superintendent who has the passion, knowledge, and skills to lead and grow a well-established and yet innovative charter public school in Jackson, Michigan. This school is located on two campuses, one serving primary age students and the…
Recorded April 25, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series
Discover why strategic planning is more than just a document — it’s about actionable strategies that drive lasting change. Learn the importance of diverse voices in the process and how both governing boards and school leaders, both with a wide range of responsibilities, play crucial roles in bringing a vision to life. Don’t miss out on unlocking the true potential of strategic planning!
The National Charter Schools Institute is thrilled to join Dr. Bernadine Futrell, Assistant Secretary for Equity and Discretionary Grants and Support Services, and Dr. Anna Hinton, Director Parental Options and Improvement, both from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. This exciting webinar, in which the Institute, along with its partners…
March 28, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series Safe schools start with a focus on creating an authentic school climate that puts students first. Join Wendy Larvick, Institute Director of Policy & Partnerships, as she talks with Raihan Akther, Ed.S., Principal, Bridge Academy West, and Chris White, Ed.D., Director of Assessment and Evaluation, Central Michigan…
Recorded February 22, 2024 | Governing for Greatness Series Successful schools have strong boards and great leaders. We believe it is critically important to establish roles and responsibilities between the chief executive and the board. Boards that govern for greatness understand that management’s role in the budget development process is mission critical. Join us for…
See how Grand Valley State University and Flint Cultural Center Academy work together to advance education. Download Resource Watch the Featurette of the Flint Cultural Center Academy
Play Video
Virtual Convening: April 3, 2024 Back to 2024 A-GAME Convenings This A-GAME Convening aims to explore the transformative power of Indicators of Distress (IoD) in shaping sustainable educational practices. Too often, we wait for schools to fail to identify them for improvement strategies. What would happen if schools could identify and address potential concerns before…
Services
About
Your cart is currently empty!
Notifications
