Closing the Achievement Gap: A Vision for Changing Beliefs and Practices

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Summary: Suggestions for bridging the cultural divide
Review: Compiled and edited by Belinda Williams, and now in an updated and revised second edition, Closing The Achievement Gap: A Vision For Changing Beliefs And Practices focuses on the necessity for educators becoming more sensitive to the worldviews of disadvantaged students and incorporating this awareness into their curriculums and teaching strategies for such students. The contributors persuasively argue that teachers, principals, and policy makers must learn about cultural perceptions of human development; apply this knowledge to professional development and comprehensive reform; and then aligning political and educational policies accordingly. Very strongly recommended reading for the frontline classroom teacher, Closing The Achievement Gap also offers specific suggestions for bridging the cultural divide through vocabulary instructions, opportunity-to-learn strategies, and school-level organizational reform.