Expect Miracles: Charter Schools And The Politics Of Hope And Despair

The words "Expect Miracles" and "Hope and Despair" caught my attention as I was researching a book to read for an assignment in my Philosophy of Education class. As a graduate student studying in the field of Counseling and Guidance, school accountability and standardized tests have been an ongoing topic in several of my classes. I am familiar with how public and A-typical schools in my city stand on these issues however; charter schools are an area that I am unfamiliar with. After hearing mostly negative comments from former charter schoolteachers on their experience working in this type of school system. I wanted to examine this form of alternative school program.I believe this book would be beneficial to parents who are thinking about enrolling their child in a charter school, individuals who are already knowledgeable in this form of educational system, and for individuals like myself who have an interest in learning and understanding the goals and purpose of charter schools. The authors of this book have provided the reader with information on the school choice/charter school conception through its current status and it's impact on the education of our children in America. They have also provided scenerios on what an individual would have to go through in order to see their vision of opening a charter school realized.Finally, another issue this book addresses is whether or not government and politics should remain influential in educating our children. After reviewing the author's comments the reader will be able to ask him or herself if these institutions are the source of failure at our schools or do they contribute to their success? There are pros and cons to all educational systems in America, from traditional public schools to voucher programs. In my opinion, I believe charter schools are not the best environment for a child to learn and grow as a person. The curriculum is limited and the social structure is not as diverse as our population.