"[One of] the best books on schools and schooling to cross our editors' desks this year."

--The American School Board Journal, August 1997

Award-winning former public school educator Joe Nathan draws from nationwide surveys, research, and visits to dozens of charter schools to address key questions about charter schools. Who starts these schools? What kinds of students attAnd? Are charter schools using ideas and techniques from which other schools can learn? Are these schools actually helping students? Are charter schools making an impact on the larger educational system?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-238) and index.

JOE NATHAN is director of the Center for School Change at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, and writes a weekly education column for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. His guest columns have appeared in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the Atlanta Constitution. A leading authority in the field of charter schools, he has also been a guest on The Today Show and CBS Morning News.

Introduction: A New Choice.

INTRODUCING CHARTER SCHOOLS.

A Tour of Charter Schools.

The Birth of a Movement.

HOW CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE CHANGING THE SYSTEM.

Breaking the District Monopoly.

A New Role for Unions.

CREATING CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Getting Started.

Building Support.

Staying in Business.

WHERE TO, WHAT NEXT.

Key Early Lessons.

Charting the Future.