A New Type of Public School: Primary Source Interviews and Essays on Michigan Charter Schools

Michigan’s education system has been transformed by the rapid growth of charter schools and school choice since 1993. A New Type of Public School: Primary Source Interviews and Essays on Michigan Charter Schools traces the state’s journey from restrictive policies to a dynamic, often controversial marketplace for public education.

Drawing on original documents and the voices of policymakers, the chapters in this book reveal how political leaders and advocacy networks have reshaped governance, accountability, and equity. Michigan’s story offers vital insights into the national debate on charter schools and the future of public education.

A New Type of Public School demystifies the policymaking process and provides a vital lens on the complexities of educational reform. It is essential reading for educators, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of public schooling.

Brian J. Boggs, Ph.D., J.D., is an Assistant Professor of Policy and Educational Leadership, University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA.

Donald Cooper is the director of civic initiatives at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, USA and a senior fellow at the National Charter Schools Founders Library, USA.