Start Where You Are, But Don't Stay There ─ Understanding Diversity, Opportunity Gaps, and Teaching in Today's Classrooms

Milner (education, Peabody College of Vanderbilt College) argues that teachers must reject color blindness and instead acknowledge how race operates on individual and systemic levels in education and in the classroom. He presents a framework for understanding diversity and bridging the opportunity gaps in the classroom. Unlike the term 'achievement gap,' the term opportunity gap points to why school failure persists for students of color, those whose first language is not English, and those living in poverty. Teachers are simultaneously warned against low expectations of students and urged to be aware of other factors beyond student merit that affect student academic success. Chapter-long case studies of elementary through secondary teachers highlight the experiences of black and white teachers in diverse urban schools and white suburban schools as they build relationships with students and incorporate aspects of diversity and opportunity into the curriculum. The book provides important lessons for pre- and in-service teachers as well as principals, guidance counselors, and coaches. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)