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Chapters: Blue Ribbon Schools in Minnesota, Boarding Schools in Minnesota, Charter Schools in Minnesota, Elementary Schools in Minnesota, High Schools in Minnesota, International Baccalaureate Schools in Minnesota, Magnet Schools in Minnesota, Middle Schools in Minnesota, Minnesota School Stubs, Private Schools in Minnesota, List of High Schools in Minnesota, Central High School (Saint Paul, Minnesota), Eagan High School, Southwest High School (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Saint Thomas Academy, Edina High School, City Academy High School, Academy of Holy Angels, Breck School, Eastview High School, Blake School (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Cathedral High School (St. Cloud, Minnesota), Orono School District, Shattuck-Saint Mary's, Burnsville High School, Robbinsdale Cooper High School, Maple Grove Senior High School, Saint John's Preparatory School (Collegeville, Minnesota), Aitkin High School, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Eagle Ridge Academy, Liberty Classical Academy, Benilde-St. Margaret's, Loyola Catholic School, Chaska High School, Wayzata High School, White Bear Lake Area High School, Tarek Ibn Ziyad Academy, Centennial High School (Blaine, Minnesota), Delasalle High School, Highland Park High School, Hopkins High School, Henry Sibley High School, Rochester Lourdes High School, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Mayo High School, Triton Senior High School, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, Mounds View High School, Lakeville North High School, Osseo Senior High School, School of Environmental Studies, Minnesota, Kasson Public School, Apple Valley High School, Saint Paul Preparatory School, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Northfield School of Arts and Technology, Great River Charter Montessori School, Rosemount High School, Stillwater Area High School, Buffalo High School, Saint Agnes High School (St. Paul, Minnesota), Cannon River Stem School, Eden Prairie High School, Harding Senior High School (St. Paul, Minneso...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=2012378 ... Read more

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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: City Academy High School, Tarek Ibn Ziyad Academy, Northfield School of Arts and Technology, Great River Charter Montessori School, Northern Lights Community School, Avalon School, East Range Academy of Technology and Science, Cyber Village Academy, Community of Peace Academy, Prairie Creek Community School, Odyssey Charter School, Twin Cities Academy. Excerpt:Avalon School is a project-based charter high school in Saint Paul , Minnesota . Advisors At Avalon, teachers (called 'advisors') are referred to by their first names: Some of the advisors are leaders of a homeroom-like group of students, called advisories. Advisories are housed in room-sized cubicles . Advisories are spaces where students work on independent projects or other assignments for math or seminars. Each student has their desk space which they can decorate as they please. The advisories create a semi-homey environment ideal for getting work done Seminars Seminars are, simply put, classes. These classes are specifically tailored to Minnesota graduation standards although they are not usually your traditional "Intro to Literature" style courses. Instead, the advisors get creative making classes such as "Rights of Passage", "World Genocide", or "1950's Literature". There is usually a small class size, although some classes (such as Economics) can become quite large. They are generally discussion based and allow the students to have quite a bit of control. Math Math seminars are offered for Algebra 1 ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Church & State, published by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on October 1, 2009. The length of the article is 521 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Controversy over charter schools erupts in Idaho and Minnesota.(PEOPLE & EVENTS)
Author: Unavailable
Publication: Church & State (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2009
Publisher: Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Volume: 62Issue: 9Page: 17(2)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

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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.

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Customer Reviews (2)

Very Informative
Reviewed by Christine Watson for Reader Views (06/10)

"Keeping the Promise" is a wealth of information for anyone involved in education, particularly at an administrative level.This book shares the details, both positive and challenging, that are involved when venturing into unknown territory, such as the charter school movement.Dr. Yigzaw openly discusses the challenges that Higher Ground Academy faced as they opened their doors and ran into obstacles.

Dr. Yigzaw shares the experiences of working to find the best curriculum program for Higher Ground Academy, as well as faculty and staffing.He found that using a specific computerized curriculum, tailoring it to their school using real world issues, and applying it to the standards was very effective for their students.The faculty was also a critical piece of instruction.Initially, they found it difficult to attract highly qualified teachers, which created a problem even with structured curriculum.Teachers were drawn to the bigger districts.As the charter school movement expanded and improved, higher quality teachers were seeking out employment at Higher Ground Academy.Having strong, qualified teachers greatly improved the classroom experience for the students because even with the best curriculum, without good instruction, it is often lost.Dr. Yigzaw recognized this and sought out strong teachers.

Accountability is discussed as well. He mentions two kinds of accountability, the first being through regulation, which is micromanaging schools, and their resources.The second type of accountability is sustaining the good schools while reducing the bad ones through data analysis.No Child Left Behind falls under the second accountability standard, which has mixed reviews.Dr. Yigzaw is of the opinion that while he believes it is important to have standards and accountability, the current system in place needs improvement.

I recommend this book because it clearly shows the growth one school can have by taking a risk, staying aware of the needs of the students, and making necessary changes for improvement.Dr. Yigzaw admits to not being where they want to be yet, but they are heading in that direction.This is a great book for someone looking to follow the footsteps of starting a charter school because he or she can learn valuable lessons from the experiences of one charter school."Keeping the Promise" is also useful for educators in general, offering insightful commentary about school policy and what have been effective practices for Higher Ground Academy.

Of recommended reading to any education administrator who values a higher experience in their schools
Charter schools are meant to go to a higher level of education, but that promise is harder to keep than one would think. "Keeping the Promise: One Charter School's Experience" is an educational manual aimed at Charter text aimed at helping Charter school educators and administrators to provide that higher level of education - that higher level that is promised when a parent enrolls them in these private schools. Filled cover to cover with useful information, "Keeping the Promise: One Charter School's Experience" is of recommended reading to any education administrator who values a higher experience in their schools. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from T H E Journal (Technological Horizons In Education), published by T.H.E. Journal, LLC on April 1, 2003. The length of the article is 2550 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Technology for charter schools too: a team-based training model.(Teams for Technology (T4T) training program)
Author: Daniel Wendol
Publication: T H E Journal (Technological Horizons In Education) (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2003
Publisher: T.H.E. Journal, LLC
Volume: 30Issue: 9Page: 14(5)

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This digital document is an article from Phi Delta Kappan, published by Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. on September 1, 1996. The length of the article is 1398 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: A program aimed at returning 16- to 21-year-olds to school called Power League was the foundation for City Academy, a charter school in St. Paul, MN. A number of Power League features continue to be a part of City Academy, such as a 13-21 age range for students and a diverse and dedicated staff.

Citation Details
Title: City Academy. (St Paul, MN, charter school)(Special Section on Charter Schools)
Author: Milo Cutter
Publication: Phi Delta Kappan (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1996
Publisher: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Volume: v78Issue: n1Page: p26(2)

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Phi Delta Kappan, published by Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. on September 1, 1996. The length of the article is 2450 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The Minnesota New Country Charter School has a course-free structure, individualized learning and a focus on technology that differentiate it from other charter schools. It also enjoys the support of the local school board and is not hindered by the usual impediments to change and innovation.

Citation Details
Title: A choice to charter.(Special Section on Charter Schools)
Author: Doug Thomas
Publication: Phi Delta Kappan (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1996
Publisher: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Volume: v78Issue: n1Page: p29(3)

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Describes the creation of and development of learning communities that are changing the conversation about what schools can be and do. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Phi Delta Kappan, published by Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 3994 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Lessons About School Choice From Minnesota: Promise and Challenges.
Author: Joe Nathan
Publication: Phi Delta Kappan (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Volume: 84Issue: 5Page: 350

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