Samuel Yigzaw

Keeping the Promise: One Charter School?s Experience Samuel Yigzaw

For parents, teachers, administrators, andpolicy makers, this is an insider's look athow charter schools successfully challengethe assumption that there is only one modelof public education. Charter school cofounderand administrator Samuel Yigzaw, PhD, shares the inspiring true journey ofMinnesota's Higher Ground Academy,from its initial vision to the school of choiceit is today-a thriving institution that is intouch with reality and responsive to theneeds of diverse learners-complete witha lengthy student waiting list!Candid, insightful, and informative, Yigzawdocuments the turbulent start-up years ofHigher Ground Academy, the school'scontinued day-to-day struggles to stay trueto its mission, and the accomplishmentsand rewards they've already achieved asthe school continues to grow and evolve. Yigzaw offers a brief history of the charterschool movement, an in-depth discussionof what sets charter schools apart fromtraditional public schools, and a thoroughexamination of No Child Left Behind, theStandards movement, and what he seesas the four greatest concerns for moderncharter schools. Anyone dedicated to students and passionateabout revitalizing public education in theUnited States will be encouraged by thischarter school success story and moremotivated than ever to ensure a qualityeducation for all students.