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Zero Chance of Passage eBook

Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story  |  Ember Reichgott Junge

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About this Book
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About this Book

Over thirty years ago, the Minnesota legislature passed the first charter school law in the nation. By all accounts, it shouldn't have happened. Today, over 3.7 million students attend over 7,800 charter schools and campuses nationwide, with charter school laws in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Chartering succeeded because it was a bipartisan initiative from the middle of the political spectrum that arose from visionary citizens outside the political system.

Ember Reichgott Junge has been hard at work in the studio behind a mic bringing her book to life
Ember Reichgott Junge has been hard at work in the studio behind a mic bringing her book to life

Ember Reichgott Junge, the Minnesota state senator who authored the law, candidly shares her personal and challenging journey of pioneering chartering through its early origins, its tumultuous legislative passage in Minnesota, and its explosion onto the national stage. With never-before-published historical documents and first-person accounts by supporters and opponents, this book informs both the past and future of public education. It is an eye-opening and stimulating inside look at policymaking. Zero Chance of Passage is the seminal reference on the history of this unique and inspiring redesign of public education.

This new audiobook includes an updated Introduction and Epilogue with new information and resources from the decade since the original book was published. Dive deep into the origins of the charter schools movement. 

More from Ember Reichgott Junge

View Ember's Bio

1995 “Involving Families in Education” White House Panel with Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, CSPAN, Ember Reichgott Junge
USA | 1995

1991: Enacting the Nation’s First Charter Schools Law

Ember Reichgott Junge
MN | 1991

The Charter Story from Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge
MN | 2008

Interview of Gov. David Ige and Mike McCartney

Ember Reichgott Junge, Gov. David Ige, Mike McCartney
HI | 2025

Protected: Hawaiian Cultural Schools Interview

Charlene Hoe, Ember Reichgott Junge, Kauanoe Kamanā, Ph.D., Taffi Wise
HI | 2025

2008 Charter School Hall of Fame: Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
MN | 2008

Advice for new law makers – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Are Charter Schools a problem for education – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Charter Schools and Innovation – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Did Charter Schools trade regulation for accountability – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Experience with passing legislation – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Historical importance of Authorizers – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Hopes for the future – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

How can citizens and parents work with elected officials – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

How do board members make a difference – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Importance of a board of directors – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Interview of Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023

Legislation wish list – Ember Reichgott Junge

Ember Reichgott Junge, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
2023
See all contributions from Ember Reichgott Junge

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