Charter Schools: Creating Hope and Opportunity for American Education (Jossey-Bass Education) - Softcover

"A useful and persuasive description of the 'state of the art' ofcharter school foundations by one of the movement's earliest, mostarticulate, and best-informed advocates." --Theodore R. Sizer, chairman, Coalition of Essential Schools

"A convincing case that this is one big experiment among many thatis deservedly taking root." --Business Week

"From ideology and accountability to politics and implementation, Charter Schools provides a comprehensive overview....It is apowerful resource for anyone interested in learning more about whatcharter schools are, how to start one, and what the future has instore for them." --Harvard Educational Review

"This book, which includes advice to charter school organizers aswell as profiles of successful charter schools, is a good place tolearn some of the basics. . . . a useful primer." --The AmericanSchool Board Journal

"If you already know a fair amount about charter schools, JoeNathan's [book] will give you the sensation of reading a travelguide about your hometown.... If, on the other hand, you arewondering what all the fuss is about, you need to read this book.It provides a clear and simple overview of an increasinglypopulated landscape." --Teachers College Record

"A comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of an increasinglydiscussed solution to school problems." --Forecast

This book is for folks who know schools can be better.
This is a deeply optimistic, hopeful book. It describes the history, results, challenges and opportunities of the charter public school movement. The book has received a number of favorable reviews in places like the (Minneapolis) Star/Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, Business Week, and St. Paul Pioneer Press. It is intended to be useful for educators, parents, community people who care about students, and know schools can be better. It is specific about what actions charter public schools are taking to help students, and what impact the charter movement is having on the overall public education system. The author is a former public school teacher whose 3 children attend the St. Paul Public Schools.