Combating the Achievement Gap: Ending Failure as a Default in Schools

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Description

Despite 30 years of school reform, the achievement gap between African American students, Latino students, students in poverty and white middle class students persists. Too often, well-meaning teachers, leaders and policymakers inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of the achievement gap through daily practices. Teresa D. Hill, a practitioner with experience as a teacher and leader in diverse schools, examines the structures, messages, attitudes and beliefs in schools that perpetuate the idea that failure is a default for African American, Latino, and low-income students. She then discusses the practical actions that educators and leaders can take to end failure as a default in their schools. Combatting the Achievement Gap empowers educators and leaders to make meaningful change in the educational outcomes of African American, Latino, and low-income children by addressing structures, messages, attitudes and beliefs that are within educators sphere of influence. It will be of interest to school and district leaders, teachers, and policymakers seeking to address the achievement gap as well as teacher educators and researchers with an interest in education and social justice.

Reviews

In this book, Dr. Teresa Hill provides a deeper lens into the achievement gap that exists in our current American educational system. Combating the Achievement Gap also provides the reader with solutions and strategies and how to close the divide between affluent and poor children and children of color in American schools. -- Rick Aceves, M.Ed, Director of English Language Learning in Illinois public high school
With both urgency and understanding, Dr. Hill exposes failure as a default and then provides steps those who work with youth can take to end this ideology in schools. Readers will walk away inspired and empowered to make change on behalf of all children. -- Doretha Brown, Working on Womanhood Counselor at Youth Guidance
Combating the Achievement Gap clearly details the inherent problems and multiple solutions for eradicating the gap. I applaud Dr. Hill's ability and forethought to break down such a misunderstood topic, so that a novice or veteran teacher can comprehend. This book is a must for every educator, administrator, school board member, and policy maker. -- Tara Peacock, M.Ed, 8th Grade Social Studies at Parker Jr. High School

Author Bio

Teresa D. Hill is a school system leader with experience as a teacher, administrator, and consultant in diverse schools and districts. Her motto is All children can . . . Period