Reform Can Make a Difference

Darlene Leiding is an expert in the realm of charter schools and alternative education and has created an elementary and high school alternative program. She is currently a special education facilitator and PM program coordinator at High School for Recording Arts, working with inner-city, African American students.

Leiding has had extensive experience as an educator and realizes the profound effect education has on students as well as on the greater society. Because of her experience with parents, students, the legal system, school boards, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders, her depth of understanding demonstrates her ability to take an in-depth view of education in America. Leiding understands the relationship of all the various elements that interact when trying to create the changes necessary to help schools become more effective. Her book provides an historical perspective and also raises some provocative questions when dealing with school reform. She ultimately raises such fundamental questions as 'What is school?' and 'What is its purpose?' These questions are certainly not new; they continue to be asked. Leiding explores the issues of conflicting expectations and agendas which complicate the reform necessary for education to keep pace with a changing world. This book will help educators, policy makers, and parents better understand the dilemmas facing education in the twenty-first century.