Mission Possible How the Secrets of the Success Academies Can Work in Any School

Eva Moskowitz, the founder and CEO of the Success Charter School Network in Harlem, and Arin Lavinia offer practical, classroom-tested ideas for dramatically improving teaching and learning. Moskowitz and Lavinia reveal how a charter school in the middle of Harlem, enrolling neighborhood children selected at random, emerged as one of the top schools in New York City and State within three years, with results on a par with public schools for gifted students and elite private schools. Describes what can be accomplished when students are challenged by and fully engaged in schoolwork. Shows how the adults in the school need to also be constantly learning and improving their performance Includes details on the Success Academies' THINK Literacy curriculum, which produces dramatic results in kids reading and writing skills In addition to providing strategies and lessons for school leaders and teachers, Secrets of the Success Academies also serves as a guide for parents, policymakers and practitioners who are passionate about closing the academic achievement gap.

Eva Moskowitz is the Founder and CEO of the Success Academy Charter Schools. A former New York City Council member, she has earned a national reputation as a fighter for improving public schools' rigor and resources, investing heavily in the arts, sports, and science instruction. Her first school, the Success Academy Harlem l, quickly emerged as one of the top performing schools in New York State and was featured in The Lottery and Waiting for Superman. Aim Lavinia designed and developed THINK Literacy, a common sense approach to balanced literacy.