Alice E. Ginsberg

This book is a series of original strategies that teacher educators, teacher candidates and practicing teachers can use to think critically about issues of equity, diversity, opportunity, and social justice in urban education. As the demographic of students in America is quickly becoming a “majority minority” we need teachers more than ever who can teach to diverse student populations, can utilize culturally relevant pedagogy, and have critically reflected on their own biases and stereotypes. We also need to empower teachers who are committed to social justice to navigate through school systems that are rife with structural inequities. This book will help ensure that teacher candidates are getting this preparation and able to continue to reflect on these issues in their practice. The book is designed as a “textbook” or more accurately “workbook” with original strategies and critical reflection and discussion questions included in each chapter. The strategies can be done sequentially or in any order. In addition, they will be able to read counternarratives from their peers, which should encourage them to persist in the profession even when things get rough

This book is a series of original strategies that teacher educators, teacher candidates and practicing teachers can use to think critically about issues of equity, diversity, opportunity, and social justice in urban education. As the demographic of students in America is quickly becoming a “majority minority” we need teachers more than ever who can teach to diverse student populations, can utilize culturally relevant pedagogy, and have critically reflected on their own biases and stereotypes. We also need to empower teachers who are committed to social justice to navigate through school systems that are rife with structural inequities. This book will help ensure that teacher candidates are getting this preparation and able to continue to reflect on these issues in their practice. The book is designed as a “textbook” or more accurately “workbook” with original strategies and critical reflection and discussion questions included in each chapter. The strategies can be done sequentially or in any order. In addition, they will be able to read counternarratives from their peers, which should encourage them to persist in the profession even when things get rough

At a time when American urban public education is under broad attack, and in which America is perceived as a nation at risk that is losing the race to the Top, educators and politicians from across the spectrum are promoting increased emphasis on standardized testing, business models of school reform, zero tolerance, no excuses, promoting cultural assimilation, and building a standardized curriculum. Ginsberg argues that in the effort to reduce the achievement gap and mitigate the pejorative label of "at-risk," we are in danger of eliminating risk from education entirely. This is especially the case in urban schools with large numbers of poor and minority students. Ginsberg explores alternative approaches to student achievement at four dynamic Philadelphia public schools. This book provides a grounded, close look at alternative and innovative pedagogies which embrace risk through an emphasis on critical inquiry, cultural diversity, global awareness, project-based learning, collaboration, community partnerships, and student activism. The result? Schools which can nurture a new generation of students who are not only smart and literate, but can help preserve American Democracy while furthering the quest for peace, unity, equity, and social justice.

At a time when American urban public education is under broad attack, and in which America is perceived as a nation at risk that is losing the race to the top, educators and politicians from across the spectrum are promoting increased emphasis on standardized testing, business models of school reform, zero tolerance, no excuses, promoting cultural assimilation, and building a standardized curriculum. Ginsberg argues that in the effort to reduce the achievement gap and mitigate the pejorative label of "at-risk," we are in danger of eliminating risk from education entirely. This is especially the case in urban schools with large numbers of poor and minority students. Ginsberg explores alternative approaches to student achievement at four dynamic Philadelphia public schools. This book provides a grounded, close look at alternative and innovative pedagogies which embrace risk through an emphasis on critical inquiry, cultural diversity, global awareness, project-based learning, collaboration, community partnerships, and student activism. The result? Schools which can nurture a new generation of students who are not only smart and literate but can think help preserve American Democracy while furthering the quest for peace, unity, equity, and social justice.