Description
Book SynopsisPrivileged thinking in today's schools is alive and well and shows its ugly head in a variety of ways that often go undetected (or are not addressed) by the educators down in the trenches. In this collection of scenarios and episodes, many of which were experienced by the authors in their years as school administrators, you will find an array of provocative examples of social injustice in the classroom, and what you can do to prevent it in your own school community. As the authors candidly and vulnerably reveal their own 'blind spots' and biases that occurred 'on their watch,' readers will be able to take a look in the mirror as well, thus taking a critical step in better advocating for those students 'left on the fringe' in classrooms and schools.
Trade ReviewThe authors provide a reality check regarding the importance of culture and relationships in today’s schools and the powerful impact they have on kids. This needs to be required reading for all new teachers and administrators. This book is a true difference maker! -- Stu Silberman, National Superintendent of the Year Final Four, Fayette County, Kentucky
The culture of a classroom, school, or district can be the make-or-break for student success. In this book, the authors present examples of toxic cultures in our schools that need to be addressed and then provide guiding questions to prompt readers toward action to create healthy cultures. This book offers a wonderful approach to learning and leading through story telling. It draws the reader into the book and makes an emotional impact that will drive change.” -- Terry Holliday, PhD, commissioner of education, Commonwealth of Kentucky
The authors of this great work dare to see schools as more than centers for test preparation. They remind us that schools can be real agents of social change and cultivators of humanity! -- Anthony S. Muhammad PhD, president, New Frontier 21 Consulting; former principal of a U.S. Blue Ribbon School; speaker and author ofTransforming School Culture--How to Overcome Staff Division
After reading this book, there is no doubt readers will be moved to change some of the practices we all employ as educators. There are few times in one’s life that reading a book can change the way we think about education. But for me, this was such a moment. I only wish I could have had the opportunity to see this error in my ways much earlier. -- Brady Link, superintendent, Christian County Schools, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
This book is on point with many of the issues that plague today's schools and asks thoughtful questions that present an opportunity for needed introspection for school leaders and professional learning communities. Readers, be ready for some honest reflection?the authors have given us a chance to address some social wrongs and privileged thinking so that today's children are provided a just environment in which to learn and excel.... -- Cathy Lynne Gunn, dean of the School of Education, Morehead State University
This book is on point with many of the issues that plague today's schools and asks thoughtful questions that present an opportunity for needed introspection for school leaders and professional learning communities. Readers, be ready for some honest reflection—the authors have given us a chance to address some social wrongs and privileged thinking so that today's children are provided a just environment in which to learn and excel. -- Cathy Lynne Gunn, dean of the School of Education, Morehead State University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 1. Don't Give Me Justice Chapter 2 2. How Much Money Does Daddy Make, Mommy? Chapter 3 3. The "N" Word Chapter 4 4. The 'Back Hall' Kids Chapter 5 5. I Have a Name Chapter 6 6. Squeaky Wheels Get the Grease Chapter 7 7. Rigid Master Schedules Chapter 8 8. Skateboarders-Unfit for Social Justice Chapter 9 9. Throw Them a Life Preserver-Not An Anchor Chapter 10 10. No Band for the Kid from Lucky Stop Chapter 11 11. No Hamburgers or Salads for the Free Lunch Kids Chapter 12 12. One Child Left Behind Chapter 13 13. The School Within the Lines Chapter 14 14. My Kids Chapter 15 15. Rounding the Bases-Bring 'Em Home Chapter 16 16. Kids in the Shadows Chapter 17 17. Do We Accept Responsibility? Chapter 18 18. Pecking Order Chapter 19 19. Elephant in the Room Chapter 20 20. Culture, Community, and Consolidation Chapter 21 21.You Brought a Dead Cat to School? Chapter 22 22. The Indiscernible Faces of Privileged Thinking Chapter 23 23. Learning the Constant—Time the Variable Chapter 24 24. More Equal than Others Chapter 25 25. The Kids Say I'm Black Chapter 26 26. We are ALL Gifted…We ALL have Disabilities Chapter 27 27. Closing Thoughts: We Can Do It…We Must Do It!
