Dr. Hill has written an insightful book that offers an alternative view of the achievement gap; one voiced by members of the African American community, and one that must be taken into consideration as we attempt to find ways to promote more positive educational outcomes for African American students.
Martha R. Bireda, Ph.D., author of "Cultures in Conflict: Eliminating ... Read moreRacial Profiling in School Discipline Author of Cultures in Conflict: Eli There are so many books about the achievement gap that it is difficult to choose one that adds enough to the conversation to be of value in the collection of an academic library. This book fits the bill by presenting a seldom-heard perspective, that of the African American community whose children too often find themselves on the wrong side of the gap. Hill, an urban school district administrator, argues that the concept of the achievement gap represents more than just a set of data; it is also a social construct that places poor and minority students at the bottom end of academic ability and potential. In framing her argument, she skewers both the conservative view that African American students do not achieve because they do not have either the capability or the drive to do what is necessary to succeed, and the liberal view that the students are merely the victims of uncontrollable outside forces. The author also identifies instructional models to support her contention that educators need to be focused on helping all students find their academic wings. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections.
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