In Washington

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools works with every branch of the federal government to ensure that issues around public charter schools in the nation’s capital receive the attention and respect they deserve. Whether it’s successfully advocating for the passage of key legislation, being a credible source of information and analysis for policymakers, or working closely with state charter organizations to help shape national policy, NAPCS works every day to support the charter school movement in Washington, DC.

Policy Updates

Senate Draft Reauthorization

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has begun consideration of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act legislation in hopes of rewriting the much overdue No Child Left Behind Act.

o NAPCS Section-by-Section Summary of Title V, Part D, Charter Schools Program

o Senate Draft ESEA Charter Schools Program Funding Stream

Congressional Affairs

Senate Draft Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has begun consideration of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act legislation in hopes of rewriting the much overdue No Child Left Behind Act.

Empowering Parents Through Quality Charter Schools Act
In September, H.R. 2218 the Empowering Parents Through Quality Charter Schools Act passed the full House with overwhelming bipartisan support; a vote of 365-54. The bill, which is the first of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act re-authorization bills to be passed by the House, provides funding to open new charter schools and replicate and expand high-performing models; streamlines and updates the federal charter facilities aid programs to ensure charter school students can learn in the best possible school settings; drives the next generation of state policies around quality; supports the evaluation of charter schools’ impact on students, families and communities; and encourages the sharing of best practices between public charter schools and traditional public schools.

Intergovernmental Affairs

The National Alliance for Public Charters Schools (NAPCS) works with those shaping federal policy to ensure that all federal agencies treat charters as public schools in statute and with regard to funding opportunities. This effort will include pursuing non-traditional funding streams from the U.S Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Program as well as charter interests that fall outside of the traditional “education policy” domain of the U.S. Department of Education. Examples include working with the White House, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Defense and the School Nutrition Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

NAPCS Analysis of Race to the Top Year One State Summaries

Regulatory Affairs

IRS Proposed Regulations
The IRS recently issued advanced notice of Proposed Regulation that would force states to prohibit charter school teachers from participating in state retirement plans. In total, NAPCS estimates more than 93% of our country's charter school workforce will be effected. All of these teachers will be forced to either leave their charter schools or lose their accrued pension wealth. Learn more.

Federal Legislation