Charter Schools : Everything You Need to Know to Make the Right Decision for Your Child

Rating:
Summary: A book that delivers its promise!
Review: Charter Schools, by Frederick A. Birkett, is a well-written and informative guide for anyone considering an alternative solution to traditional public school education. Like the subtitle implies, the book includes "everything you need to know to make the right decision for your child." Debate over quality education (or lack thereof) in our nation's public school system is finally drawing the attention it deserves. Although my own two children are grown and have completed their schooling, I was interested in knowing what charter schools were all about. The concept, barely 10 years old, was not in existence when my sons were in school. But, what about the next generation?

To find out about this new trend in education, I searched for that one "perfect" book that could answer all my questions. Birkett's Charter Schools was the ideal choice. In a simple, straightforward manner, the author addresses everything from "what is a charter school?" to the wide range of flexibility permitted under the charter system, and the different approaches that make each facility unique. Birkett's step-by-step process of what to look for in a system that best fits your child's needs, includes: individualized instruction, class size comparison, and overall quality. In addition, he is careful not to overlook important details as transportation and before- and after-school programs. Finally, the author offers three appendixes of valuable resource material, including--basic facts and figures; state charter granting agencies, websites, publications; and, a complete list of "existing" and "newly approved" schools. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in the subject!

Rating:
Summary: Fred Birkett Delivers
Review: Fred Birkett is not just writing about charter schools. He runs the first charter school in Harlem, New York. He is a committed instructional leader with hands-on knowledge about how to make charter schools work. Buy this book and take it from a pro.