Freedman, Joe, MD, Charter Schools in Atlantic Canada, An Idea Whose Time Has Come. Halifax: Atlantic Institute for Market Studies and Society for Advancing Educational Re- search, 1997.

This small book was prepared for the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies School Choice Conference which took place in Fredericton, New Brunswick in May 1997. Freedman argues that Charter Schools can overcome the “gridlock” in education in Atlantic Canada by taking the decisions affecting students out of the hands of the governments, boards and unions and allowing teacher, parents and citizens to manage education at the school level.

Gatto, John Taylor, Dumbing Us Down, The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, B.C., 1992.

J.T. Gatto is an award-winning teacher from New York who takes the education establishment to task in this radical and insightful book. He concludes that we need less institutional schooling and more experiential learning that is family and community-based.

Giles, Hollyce C. "Parent Engagement as a School Reform Strategy," ERIC Clearninghouse on Urban Education, New York, NY, Digest Number 135. http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/ERIC/resumes/records.cfm?ericnum=ED419031

A digest describing common characteristics of projects established improve schools, by working with community institutions.

Hirsch, E.D. Jr. The Schools We Need. Why Don't We Have Them? New York: Doubleday, 1996.

This book explores Current pedagogical strategies that are in vogue, with a critical eye. He then presents a research-based case for an alternative approach called "Core Knowledge," which is being adopted by several charter schools in the United States.

Howley, Craig B. and John Eckman, ed. Sustainable Small Schools: A Handbook for Rural Communities. Charleston, West Virginia: ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools, 1997.

This handbook helps community members and educators to work together to improve small schools. Chapters cover the historical and political factors affecting rural small schools. An extensive resource chapter provides information about partnerships.