CO HB1344

Defines "authorizer" as a school district or the state charter school institute that has authorized a charter school in Colorado.

Requires each authorizer to certify compliance with quality standards adopted by the state board on or before July 1, 2011.

Establishes ten minimum standards for authorizers, including deliberate authorization processes, support for charter school purposes, transparency in policies, accountability measures, use of student achievement data, and consideration of school size, mission, and special populations.

Directs the state board to adopt formal authorizing standards by January 1, 2011, consistent with national standards and referencing decisions on charter approvals, renewals, revocations, and appeals.

Allows authorizers to contract with third parties (such as boards of cooperative services or other authorizers) to perform authorizing functions and meet the established standards.