Creating the Opportunity to Learn: Moving from Research to Practice to Close the Achievement Gap (Pearson Teacher Education / Ascd College Textbook)

About this book

After years of applying more pressure on schools to raise achievement levels for all students particularly those who underperform their mainstream peers the achievement gap today remains virtually unchanged. But the reality is that theres proof that under the right conditions all students can achieve at high levels. Instead of "quick-fix reforms" that promise "miracles" but deliver little heres a book that delves into the research to provide you with realistic solutions for catching up children in danger of failing and dropping out. Two giants in the fields of education psychology and equityA. Wade Boykin and Pedro Noguerareveal bold truths about the achievement gap including: Why its a mistake to explain and rationalize the persistence of the achievement gap on the basis of a single influence such as poverty family background or culture. What is wrong with popular approaches to closing the achievement gap. Why it is critical to focus on the assets that each student brings to the classroom rather than on the perceived deficiencies. Why pluralizing the cultural conditions in schools increases the possibility that a greater number of studentsfrom a wider range of backgroundswill learn. Drawing from the evidence from successful schools this definitive text provides you with a promising framework for addressing the key actions that need to be replicated in schools everywhere such as: Promoting and enhancing student engagement in learning and addressing avoidance behaviors. Raising the levels of three key personal behaviors: self-efficacy self-regulated learning and incremental ability beliefs about intelligence. Cultivating constructive classroom dynamics and transactions such as positive teacher student relationships and collaborative learning. Heres your opportunity to understand why some school districts are making more progress than others to make sure youre focused on what really works and to build the capacity of high-performance high-poverty schools.