The following guides provide resources for charter authorizers, funded by the Colorado League of Charter Schools through the Great Schools Colorado Federal CSP Grant.
Authorizer Self-Evaluation
This Authorizer Self-Evaluation tool was developed to help Colorado charter school authorizers assess practices against NACSA’s Principles & Standards and the Colorado Authorizer Standards (1 CCR 301-88). NACSA's standards define five key domains for effective authorizing:
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Agency Commitment & Capacity
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Application Process & Decision-Making
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Performance Contracting
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Ongoing Oversight & Evaluation
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Revocation & Renewal
This tool provides a resource for reflection and improvement aligned with national benchmarks and state requirements.
Authorizer Welcome Kit
The Authorizer Welcome Kit supports CACSA’s mission by offering new charter school authorizers a comprehensive collection of best practice-aligned materials. It begins with general guidance on effective authorizing, then progresses through each stage of the charter school lifecycle. Each section provides narrative context and direct access to essential documents and resources, helping authorizers apply quality practices in their unique settings.
Authorizer Self-Reflection Companion Guide & Training Tool
Developed through a federally funded grant initiative with partnership and support from the Colorado League of Charter Schools, CACSA’s Authorizer Self-Reflection Companion Guide & Tool helps Colorado charter school authorizers turn evaluation findings into manageable improvement steps.
The guide offers reflection questions, recommended actions, and linked resources across five areas: agency capacity, application processes, performance contracting, ongoing oversight, and renewal and revocation decisions. Authorizers can use it to identify priorities and strengthen practices within their local context.
This informational resource does not establish legal or regulatory requirements.
The Colorado Authorizer Field Brief Series
The Colorado Authorizer Field Brief Series is intended to capture practical, implementation-focused examples of effective charter school authorizing practices across Colorado. The series will provide concise, actionable guidance aligned to NACSA’s Essential Practices and the Colorado Principles & Standards while recognizing the varying capacities and contexts of Colorado authorizers.
