Narrowing the Achievement Gap

The fastest growing populations in U.S. schools are minority children and youth from Latino, Black, and Asian-American communities. Multiple economic, family, and social risk factors pose challenges to these students. Not surprisingly, evidence continues to show that these children face an ever-widening achievement gap throughout their school years.


Consequently, school psychologists, educators, and other allied professionals must become better informed to improve the academic and life prospects of these children. To help these children succeed in school, Narrowing the Achievement Gap: Strategies for Educating Latino, Black, and Asian Students will serve as a valuable professional tool by:


Providing effective strategies from experienced scholars and professionals that can be used to improve academic achievement and well-being of minority students.

Examining, collectively, three cultural groups in one concise, yet comprehensive book on themes related to diverse families, immigration issues, and teaching and learning.

Conceptualizing opportunities and challenges in working with minority children in the context of the federal No Child Left Behind act, related state and local educational policies, and current social trends.

Tailoring the message of voluminous research to the practical needs of professionals working with minority children in accessible terms.



This volume is a must-have reference for educators, psychologists, researchers, policymakers – and for anyone who works with children.

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"This volume is an important and impressive collection of scholarship that addresses one of the more intractable education problems of our times--ensuring that ALL children receive a quality education."

-- Gloria Ladson-Billings, Kellner Family Professor in Urban Education

University of Wisconsin at Madison, and 2005-2006 President of AERA


 "A major contribution to the field, the in-depth analyses provided by the chapter authors should be of substantial appeal to a wide audience because of its interdisciplinary approach and orientation to theory, research, and practice."

-- Stanley Sue, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Asian American Studies

University of California at Davis


 "In considering the broad problems and in recommending solutions, the book provides breadth, concision, and unique organization."

-- Edmund W. Gordon, John M. Musser Professor of Psychology at Yale University Richard March Hoe Professor of Education and Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University


"This volume addresses the most important issue in contemporary education: understanding diversity while making it a pedagogical asset."

-- Luis C. Moll, Professor & Associate Dean, College of Education, University of Arizona