Terry Croy Lewis, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Colorado Charter School Institute
School Resource Officers & Mental Health: Opposites or Allies?
School safety has become an increasingly pressing concern, sparking heated debates over the role of School Resource Officers (SROs). Some research highlights negative impacts, while other reports emphasize the growing demand for SROs. With conflicting reports and...
Innovative Schools: Creating Space for Bold Ideas & New Approaches
In education, innovation is about more than new technologies or teaching methods. It’s about rethinking how we engage students, address community needs, and create environments where all learners can thrive, particularly for underserved populations. At the Colorado...
Celebrating National School Choice Week: Autonomy, Access, and Accountability at CSI
Every year, National School Choice Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering families to select the best educational path for their children. At the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), this celebration aligns perfectly with our mission to...
Enhancing Excellence: Updates to CSI’s New School Application
At the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), our commitment to continuous improvement drives every aspect of our work as a model charter public school authorizer. This year, we’ve made significant updates to our new school application and rubric. These revisions...
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: Advancing Innovation in Education
As we celebrate the Colorado Charter School Institute's (CSI) 20th anniversary, it is an incredible moment to reflect on the remarkable journey we've been on. What started two decades ago as a small but ambitious effort to expand educational options for Colorado...
A Model of Excellence: CSI’s Vision for Charter School Authorization
The Charter School Institute (CSI), established by law in 2004, embarked on a mission to serve as a model authorizer and redefine the landscape of charter school authorization. Tasked with being both an alternative and a pacesetter, CSI's journey has been one of...
Keith King: A Legacy of Championing Charters
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo EmersonA Pioneer for the Charter School Movement The foundation and success of the charter school movement has been championed and led by numerous leaders over...
Universal Preschool Support at CSI Schools
Guest Blog: Willyn Webb, CSI Early Learning and School Support CoordinatorPreschool Support at CSI Schools As CSI schools navigate the first year of Colorado’s Universal Preschool initiative, I’ve been working to provide guidance and integral support along the way. As...
Celebrating Excellence: CSI’s ‘Performance with Distinction’ Ratings
CSI’s approach to authorizing balances autonomy and accountability, offering schools the flexibility to choose the methods that best meet the needs of their students. In return, CSI holds schools accountable to clear expectations for performance.The Accreditation...
The Ongoing Practice of Mission Alignment
Last month, Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) staff converged at Chatfield Farms for a two-day staff retreat. Staff members reside all over the state in the communities we serve, so we try to make the most of our limited in-person opportunities together. One of...
The Impact of Social Emotional Learning in CSI Schools
Guest Blog: Betsy Basch, CSI Mental Health Programs Coordinator SEL School Supports at CSI Schools CSI charter public schools continue to develop and implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. As CSI’s Mental Health Programs Coordinator, I (Betsy...
What Does It Mean to Be a Model Authorizer?
When CSI was established by law in 2004, it was charged with serving as an alternative to the existing district authorizers. It was also charged with serving as a model authorizer and making best practices available to district authorizers. Back in 2020, we shared...