Last week we offered ideas on educational reform. This week we present a video from the scholars at a school where reform is working: Legacy Charter School in Chicago. (:legacycharterschool.org/wb/). Inspired by our alphabet string episode last year, the then-first graders in Margret Pilat's classroom, wrote and illustrated their own book.

Legacy is an unique and successful experiment in education. It was founded by a law firm, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, which provides financial and management support to the school. The firm's attorneys and staff are also involved in Legacy and the lives of its students through activities such as tutoring and mentoring.

The elementary school is now in its third year under a remarkable principal, Lisa Kenner, whose "Welcome" statement on the school's home page summarizes Legacy's philosophy: "Everyone at Legacy is a lifelong learner. We have the highest expectations of each child, family member, teacher and staff member as we prepare our scholars to be on the path to college and for lives as responsible citizens."

Our thanks to the law firm (particularly Errol Stone), Lisa Kenner, Margret Pilat, and, most of all, the scholars who created this week's offering. They are:

Amya B.
Amanda B.
Amarae T.
Alexis J.
Chantell P.
Christopher G.
Diamond M.
Glen P.
Javen T.
Jasmine W.
Ja'kyia D.
Jeremiah P.
Jarayah H.
Katelyn M.
Kyala D.
Landis P.
Michael K.
Malia B.
Nakaree J.
T'nyah G.
Tiffany S.
Tiresias Y.
Tiona W.