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Charter Authorizer Support Initiative (CASI)


CASI provides professional development and networking opportunities for charter school authorizers through statewide and regional activities, funded under the Public Charter Schools Grant Program, authorized under Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 United States Code [U.S.C.] 7221–7221j). CASI is a program implemented collaboratively by the California Department of Education (CDE), Charter Schools Division; the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Charter Schools Department; the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Charter School Office; and the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Office of Charter Schools.


CASI Listserv

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Upcoming Events

Event Details
Monthly Charter Chats

Monthly virtual statewide meetings with regional breakout rooms to discuss the latest information, best practices, and hot topics in charter authorizing. Charter Chats are held from 10 to 11 a.m. (PST) on the last Wednesday of the month.

Monthly Charter Chat Zoom Webinar Registration External link opens in new window or tab.

2025 Charter Chat Schedule

  • December 10, 2025
Quarterly Trainings

CASI Quarterly Trainings are virtual technical assistance sessions on a topic of authorizing responsibility, with opportunities for authorizers to collaborate with colleagues across the state.

2026 Quarterly Training Schedule

The January 2026 Quarterly Training will be held virtually, via Zoom, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. on the topic of Dependent Charter Schools. Topics to be covered include oversight requirements, as well as personnel and governance ramifications of being both authorizer and governing body of a dependent charter.

A special bonus Quarterly Training is being offered in February on on the topic of Beyond the Moratorium: Essential NCB Charter School Oversight. With the moratorium on new nonclassroom-based (NCB) charter schools set to expire after January 1, 2026, authorizers across the state will soon face critical decisions about new petitions and renewed scrutiny of existing schools. This training will provide attendees with practical strategies for: conducting rigorous petition reviews for NCB models; identifying red flags in vendor relationships, attendance reporting, and related-party transactions; implementing effective monitoring protocols that go beyond compliance checklists; applying financial oversight best practices specific to NCB funding determinations; and incorporating lessons learned from both oversight failures and successful interventions. Whether gearing up for new applications or working to strengthen oversight of existing schools, attendees will walk away with concrete tools and clear guidance.

The April 2026 Quarterly Training will be held virtually, via Zoom, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. on The Road to Renewal. This yearly training will address charter school renewals for school year 2026–27 and focus on oversight and best practices.

The quarterly trainings for July and October of 2026 are in the planning stages. Topics and dates will be announced as soon as they have been determined.

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Questions: Charter Authorizer Support Initiative | CASI@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-6029 
Last Reviewed: Monday, December 08, 2025
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