In the past decade, Barr has opened seventeen charter high schools—small,
locally managed institutions that aim for a high degree of teacher autonomy
and parent involvement—in some of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, as well as one in the Bronx.
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A compelling look at the Green Dot charter school program in Los Angeles through a focus on its creator, Steve Barr. In depth. A fascinating character study: after reading this and other pieces about charter schools, it seems the most effective ones have leaders from outside the traditional education system. Presents a balanced view of this part of the school reform process.
After reading that Arne Duncan spoke to Barr about his program, I think that Los Angeles may become a primary focus of Duncan's "turnaround schools" philosophy (with which Barr has also found success, so far).