I feel that Essential Measures for Student Success is a must "read" for every adult who is teaching, rearing, and/or raising a child in this day and age.  Dr. Kirby certainly combines tips from academically successful students as well as at-risk atypical youth, advice from fellow educators and insights in her own personal career and breadth of experience in an easy-to-read on how to help close the achievement gap amongst our African American students.  There is so much to do in our schools in order to catch us up to the 21st century to fulfill the ideal of providing a good education for all. We have to worry about some groups of children fall so far behind from where they should be in order to succeed in school and in life.  Dr. Kirby speaks about achievement gap and ways to amend it.
Keturah M. Jones, B.S., M.S., Ed.S, Middle School Teacher I love this book.  It is a must read for everyone who has and works with children. As a parent, I would highly recommend it to parents, grandparents, and want to be parents because it can help you become a better parent and understand the needs of children.  You will have a clearer understanding of your role in promoting healthy child development.
Asenith Enoch, B. S., Parent Anyone who lives or works with children and wants them to succeed should read Essential Measures for Student Success. This book provides strategies for closing the gap in education and developing 21st Century Learners.
Crystal Gwynn, B. S., M.S. Ed., Elementary Education Reading Specialist I enjoyed reading this book, “Essential Measures for Student Success.” It provides insight on the kinds of students that all teachers will recognize: the class clown, the handicapped child, the unmotivated child, the quiet child. This book provides a strength-based approach for teachers that will help them improve student performance. Every educator should read it.
Arnita Anthony, B. S., Elementary Teacher Assistant This book is an easy read. Any layman could get a clear understanding of what the author is imparting. The emphasis on the elements Cooperation, Collaboration, and Coordination as they relate to the relationship between schools and the students' families are viable strategies in meeting the needs of all students (inclusive of the Have's and Have Nots). I believe the concepts discussed could easily foster 'Buy-In' by all concerned parties. This book may provide the key ingredients for service delivery and program success.
Larry Holland, B.A., M.A., Ed.S, Middle School Administrator