This document contains a collection of quotes and passages about regulatory frameworks and accountability for charter schools. It discusses finding a balance between autonomy and accountability, and rethinking regulations to prevent harm rather than enforce conformity. It outlines principles for better regulation from the Mercatus Center, including that regulations should solve real problems, respect consumer choice, and be based on evidence rather than assumptions. The document advocates for reducing overregulation that can limit decision-making by those closest to students.

1. James N. Goenner, Ph.D.
July 1, 2019
Rethinking Regulation
Modeling Accountability

3. - Oprah Winfrey
“Education is the road to freedom.”

6. Autonomy Accountability

7. Regulatory Framework
Charter
School
State &
Federal
Law
Authorizer
& Charter
Contract
Board
Policies &
Procedures

9. “Our regulatory system must protect
public health, welfare, safety, and our
environment while promoting economic
growth, innovation, competiveness,
and job creation.”
President Obama
Executive Order 13563
January 2011

10. “It must…
1. Be based on the best available science.
2. Allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas.
3. Promote predictability and reduce uncertainty.
4. Identify and use the best, most innovative, and least
burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
5. Take into account benefits and costs, both quantitative and
qualitative.”
President Obama
Executive Order 13563
January 2011

11. “It must…
6. Ensure that regulations are accessible, consistent,
written in plain language, and easy to understand.
7. Measure, and seek to improve, the actual results of
regulatory requirements.”
President Obama
Executive Order 13563
January 2011

12. Autonomy Accountability

13. Rethinking
Regulation
by Michael Q. McShane

14. “Refocusing regulatory efforts to prevent
harm, rather than forcing all schools to
conform to a top-down vision of quality,
would be a huge step in the right
direction.”
Michael Q. McShane
Rethinking Regulation

15. “For every new regulation issued, at least
two prior regulations must be identified for
elimination, and the cost of planned
regulations be prudently managed and
controlled…”
President Trump
Executive Order 13771
January 2017

16. “Overregulation can…supplant the
decision-making power and authority of
individuals…that might know more
about what is best for children than
distant regulators and bureaucrats.”
Michael Q. McShane
Rethinking Regulation

20. Ten Principles for Better Regulation
By Jerry Ellig (Mercatus Center George Mason University)
1
2
3
Since regulations impose constraints that govern
people’s behavior, a sensible regulation should solve a
real, widespread problem that could reasonably be
addressed by altering constraints. It should not just
respond to anectdotes of bad behavior by bad actors.
A regulation should be accompanied by proof that it is
likely to make life better for citizens in a significant and
tangible way.
Regulators should define how they will know the
problem is “solved” and no additional regulation is
necessary.

21. Regulation should be technologically neutral.
Regulators should consider alternatives to regulation
and alternative forms of regulation.
Regulation should respect consumers’ freedom of
choice.
The regulatory alternatives selected should provide
the “biggest bang for the buck.”
7
4
5
6
Ten Principles for Better Regulation
By Jerry Ellig (Mercatus Center George Mason University)

22. Regulation should be competitively neutral.
Regulation should acknowledge uncertainty.
Regulation should be based on the best available
evidence, not merely on assumptions, good
intentions, or wishes.
8
9
10
Ten Principles for Better Regulation
By Jerry Ellig (Mercatus Center George Mason University)

24. Autonomy Accountability

25. Governing for
greatness is a
mindset…a
positive attitude
and outlook that
keeps boards
and management
focused on what
truly matters.

26. WHAT TRULY MATTERS
Ensuring all students
are prepared for success in
college, work and life.
© National Charter Schools Institute

28. “I doubt if
any part
could travel
in such
weather.”
- Robert Falcon Scott
Journal Entry, December 5, 1911

29. “It has been an
unpleasant
day…storm, drift,
and frostbite, but
we have
advanced closer
to our goal.”
- Roal Amundsen
Journal Entry, December 5, 1911

30. Some People Observe That …
“ Trustees are often little
more than high-powered, well-
intentioned people engaged
in low-level activities.”
“ -Chait, Holland and Taylor

31. © National Charter Schools Institute