It is critical to send a clear message to policymakers that parents are looking for choices and there's a demand for these schools. Providing data on who attends charter schools, enrollment figures, waitlist numbers, etc. all help to make these points clear.
Equally important is for authorizers to send a message that high quality is expected from the start and that the schools continue to be held to high standards throughout the term of the charter agreement — and that they are held to these standards in a public way. Establishing a thorough application process and an accountability system based on high expectations are keys. It's important to let policymakers know that not just anyone can get a charter — an applicant has to meet rigorous standards in a very public process in order to be awarded a charter. Then, after a school is chartered, it is important to share with policymakers and the larger public an array of information on how the school is performing relative to the clear, high standards established by the authorizer. In Indianapolis, the Mayor's annual Accountability Report serves to provide this information to the public. In those instances when a school is not held to high standards, not only does the school need to be held accountable, so does the authorizer. Charter school authorizers need to be accountable for their process for approving charter school application and holding charter schools accountable for their performance.
Posted as a reply to:
Influencing Policy by Bob Montgomery 
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