Social Justice
Urban Education
Surprisingly, all across the nation, urban schools full of poor children are performing at high academic levels; and more than ever before, they are getting attention.
Many urban schools do succeed. If poor kids in some places can learn well, poor kids in all places should have the opportunity to learn well.
The books below are dangerous books. These books will encourage those who are looking for solutions to the education crisis in our country, educate those who want to know more about excellent academic programs that teach poor students, and enrage those who have a vested interest in maintaining a permanent poverty class. Enjoy!
Resources
The following titles offer encouragement, direction, and examples of success in the education of poor or minority populations. The titles are linked to their page on Amazon for more information.
No Excuses : Lessons from 21 High-Performing, High-Poverty Schools
By Samuel Casey Carter
This is a fantastic resource and encouragement for anyone who is interested in what successful urban education looks like. There are very good schools in very bad neighborhoods all across America. If you think you know that poor kids can’t learn well, please read this book. It is very short and powerful.
Young, Gifted, and Black : Promoting High Achievement Among African American Students
By Claude Steele (Contributor), Theresa Perry (Contributor), Asa Hilliard III (Contributor)
This inspirational and thought-provoking book offers three different perspectives on academic achievement and the school experience among American Black students.
The Schools We Need: And Why We Don't Have Them
By E. D. Hirsch
This book clearly explains the current lack of success of American public school education methods and philosophy and gives the history of where these bad ideas came from – a real page-turner for those of you who love to hate injustice and other abuses of power.
Cultural Literacy : What Every American Needs to Know
By E. D. Hirsch
This book is a direct attack on the anti-knowledge/ anti-memorization/ anti-fact movement in contemporary educational philosophy. It ties solid research about the cognitive processes of reading and thinking critically to specific education strategies and philosophies.
A Framework for Understanding Poverty
By Ruby K. Payne
This book outlines the very different societal values held by the poor, the middle class, and the wealthy. This value map offers an explanation for many misunderstandings between economic classes in our society. Please read this book if you are going to work with or serve the poor. Please read this book if you are poor and feel trapped in poverty.
Dr. Vernard Gant Keynote Address at the NASS Conference in Cleveland, Ohio
Dr. Gant spoke at the national conference of The National Association of Street Schools on July 2004. Learn more about NASS on their website. In this speech, Dr. Gant encouraged those who consider it important to educate children in poverty and children who have been unsuccessful in school. Dr. Gant used scripture readings to illustrate how Christian principles encourage educating students who are not well served by the current education system. Listen to Dr. Gant's Speech below or download the MP3 here.
