Wildflowers is both one man's journey into the joys and sorrows of leading a large urban school district in the 21st century, and a gripping, highly informative guide to transforming America's public schools. Every child, Jonathan Raymond believes, is as exceptional and unique as a wildflower, able to adapt and grow even in the face of adverse conditions. As Superintendent of a district beset by budget cuts and neglect, Raymond spearheaded innovative, radical changes that raised test scores and graduation rates, and made "failing" schools succeed. Whether you are a parent, educator, policy maker, or concerned taxpayer, your assumptions about public education will melt away as Raymond sets aside ideology to focus on the nonpartisan, evidence-based promise of "Whole Child" education. This child-centered approach, which once made American public schools a source of national pride, was later abandoned by policymakers with no understanding of how children really learn. Raymond's brave stand against top-down bureaucracy and "teaching to the test" led to controversy and even law suits. Driven by his unwavering commitment to children, families, and local communities, he rallied students, parents and teachers, pushing the boundaries to make real change happen. His story is a model for what true leadership in education looks like. Raymond's riveting first-person account of how to reignite the potential of our youth - regardless of where they live or how much money their parents make - gives every American the tools, insights, and inspiration to get involved and take a stand on an issue critical to our country's future. All proceeds from the sale of Wildflowers will be donated to advance Whole Child education. For more information, visit www.wholechildchallenge.org

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