Wall of Fame Ebook.Pdf
Wall of Fame As public education declined and many Americans despaired of their children’s futures, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Freedman volunteered as a writing mentor in some of California’s toughest inner-city schools. He discovered a program called AVID that gave him hope. In this work of creative nonfiction, Mr. Freedman interweaves the lives of AVID’s founder, Mary Catherine Swanson, and six of her original AVID students over a 20-year period, from 1980 to 2000. With powerful personalities, explosive conflicts, and compelling action, Wall of Fame portrays the dramatic story of how one teacher in one classroom created a pragmatic program that has propelled thousands of students to college. This story of determination, courage, and hope inspires a new generation of teachers, students, and parents to fight for change from the bottom up. “Jonathan Freedman tells a moving and inspirational story of real reform in education—the ‘radical’ remedy of believing in kids of every background and challenging them to reach their potential.” —Robert J. Caldwell, Editor San Diego Union Tribune’s “Insight” section “If you are skeptical about all school-reform efforts, read Wall of Fame. It is a compelling story that educators throughout the nation need to hear. It describes AVID and its founder, Mary Catherine Swanson, and how a program to help disadvantaged students prepare for college is helping reform secondary schools across America. At a time when interest and concern about schools is at an all-time high, AVID is a great success story that demonstrates thoughtful school reform can make a difference for kids.” —Gary K.
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