Beyond the Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly Into the Unknown

Volume 6 Number 3
Spring 2001

The Wild Blue Yonder
Charter Schools Fly Into the Unknown

articles • departments • colophon • upcoming issues

Cover: Principal Larry Nauta flies a two-seater Piper Supercub.

ON THE COVER:
Lifelong educator and pilot Larry Nauta, Principal of Aurora Borealis Charter School in Kenai, Alaska, flies a two-seater Piper Supercub, which uses floats, wheels or skis for landing, depending in the terrain. "For hardcore bush flying, this is considered the ultimate plane," says Nauta. After three decades on the Kenai Peninsula, Nauta still marvels at the majestic scenery right at his doorstep.
PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT MOON

In This Issue

Homegrown
As the Northwest joins the charter school reform movement that is sweeping the country, many unanswered questions remain.

All in the Family
Daily life for the Semmens family of Soldotna, Alaska, turns around a little school named for the northern lights that dance in the heavens in this part of the world.

A family in Kenai, Alaska, finds transitioning from home schooling to a charter school isn't difficult, that is, if you don't count having to change out of pajamas.

Why Charter Schools Stumble — and Sometimes Fall
Pulling together the countless elements that go into designing and running a school can flummox even the most dedicated founders.

The Quest for Accountability
If charter schools are to survive and thrive, they must be able to prove their worth. A workshop in Idaho shares some of the strategies schools need to effectively assess their students — and, ultimately, themselves.

A six-step plan for developing accountability.

Stuck on the Starting Blocks
Despite growing support and some heavy-duty financial backing, Washington state's charter school advocates have been unable to muster the votes for a charter schools law — yet.

Taking It Slow
While educator and author Gordon Castanza of Alaska backs the charter school concept, he advocates a go-slow approach.