Finn, Chester E.

"... Argues that the United States, compared to other countries, has done too little to educate students to the highest levels of achievement--particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds..."--Back cover.

Analyzes the successes and failures of charter schools--independently operated public schools of choice--beginning with a description of the charter phenomenon in the U.S.; and confronts some of the controversies associated with the charter school movement.

A memoir that recounts the author's experience from within the school-reform movement in the U.S. and covers his changing views of the value of standards-driven, choice-driven, and profession-driven education, the role of charter schools, technology, and school-system governance reform, and more.