In Building a Learning Culture in America, I really like that Kevin Chavous is talking about how we can make education cool again! Learning is cool, being well-educated is important, and it should be fun! We need to join Kevin in building a national movement around learning.” —Laila Ali, Fitness & Wellness Expert, Television Personality and Boxing Champion “I had the opportunity to work with Kevin in Washington, DC and saw first-hand his unwavering commitment to the education of our children. Building a Learning Culture in America is a story, a reflection, a consideration of national and international education issues, and most importantly, a manifesto. Kevin draws you into his self-described “life’s work” by sharing his personal story and his journey into becoming a vocal, effective and sought-after advocate for children. Whether you agree with all of his stances or not, you will be moved by his passion and touched by the stories he shares of children and schools from around the globe. I’m ready to be a part of Made in America. Let’s do it!” —Deborah Gist, Superintendent, Tulsa Public Schools “Education often brings to mind the old saying about the weather—everyone talks about it, but no one does anything about it. Kevin Chavous is not everyone. A force of nature himself, he’s been battling to reshape American education for two decades. Weaving together educational expertise, lessons from other social movements, and his personal testimonial, he has penned a book that is both manifesto and strategic plan. The result is a remarkable resource for parents, practitioners, and policymakers.” —Frederick M. Hess, Director of Education Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute “An absorbing and completely captivating narrative of one man’s impact on education in America through the years. Being a former recipient of the Florida Tax-Credit Scholarship, it is encouraging to travel back in time with Kevin as he displays his love for my education and many other low-income children like me. This is a beautiful book and memoir where we can witness how Kevin has fully immersed himself in education reform and how his passion for school reform is contagious. Building a Learning Culture in America is a remarkable evolutionary perspective on education reform.” —Denisha Merriweather, MSW candidate at the University of South Florida, Former recipient of the Florida Tax-Credit Scholarship “Kevin and I have worked together breaking down barriers to education choice through the American Federation for Children. He is passionate about improving the educational landscape and his new book, Building a Learning Culture in America, provides thoughtful insight on how to get education back on track.” —Jalen Rose, ESPN analyst, former NBA star, and founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy “Building a Learning Culture in America demonstrates Kevin Chavous' unique combination of personal experiences, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to ensuring all children receive a quality education. Chavous reminds us that instilling a life-long love and appreciation for learning in all young people is the most significant responsibility we have as adults. I encourage anyone interested in understanding the root causes of academic underachievement, as well as a viable strategy to improve outcomes for all America’s children, to read this book.” —Dr. Thomas Stewart, President of Patten University "Amidst the jargon of education policy and the bitterness of education politics, we can forget the simple moral imperative to improve our schools and the abundant evidence that it is possible, for all children in all neighborhoods. Tying his personal evolution to the success stories that inspired his views, Kevin Chavous provides clear prescriptions for building a national consciousness of educational inequality. A member of the progressive establishment unafraid to push even the progressive paradigm, Chavous calls us to think independently about an issue characterized by intransigence and entrenchment." —John White, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education
