Paul O’Neill delivered the session “Navigating Specialization as a Generalist: The Authorizer’s Role in the Success of Specialized Charters” at the National Association of Charter School Authorizers’ 2025 Conference, NACSACon25. Paul made the presentation together with Lauren Rhim, who co-founded the National Center for Learner Equity with him.
The presentation addressed a key question facing today’s charter landscape: How can generalist authorizers effectively oversee and support schools with increasingly specialized missions?
Paul explored the growing trend toward specialization in charter schools, examined the forces driving this shift, and offered an in-depth look at authorizing practices for schools serving students on the autism spectrum. He also shared practical, actionable strategies that authorizers can use to strengthen outcomes and ensure accountability for specialized charter models.
Download the slides from Paul’s presentation.