Keeping The Promise

About the Book

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.

About the Author

Samuel Yigzaw, PhD, helped found and now administers the Higher Ground Academy charter school; he also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Mary?s University of Minnesota. Yigzaw has taught middle and high school social studies as well as university-level courses in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and educational research.