Keeping The Promise

For parents, teachers, administrators, and
policy makers, this is an insider's look at
how charter schools successfully challenge
the assumption that there is only one model
of public education. Charter school cofounder
and administrator Samuel Yigzaw,
PhD, shares the inspiring true journey of
Minnesota's Higher Ground Academy,
from its initial vision to the school of choice
it is today-a thriving institution that is in
touch with reality and responsive to the
needs of diverse learners-complete with
a lengthy student waiting list!

Candid, insightful, and informative, Yigzaw
documents the turbulent start-up years of
Higher Ground Academy, the school's
continued day-to-day struggles to stay true
to its mission, and the accomplishments
and rewards they've already achieved as
the school continues to grow and evolve.
Yigzaw offers a brief history of the charter
school movement, an in-depth discussion
of what sets charter schools apart from
traditional public schools, and a thorough
examination of No Child Left Behind, the
Standards movement, and what he sees
as the four greatest concerns for modern
charter schools.

Anyone dedicated to students and passionate
about revitalizing public education in the
United States will be encouraged by this
charter school success story and more
motivated than ever to ensure a quality
education for all students.