Publication Date: January 18, 2012 Educators, policymakers and parents can take a journey with Sacramento, California educational reform advocate Rex Fortune to effect change. After presenting national and state data as evidence of the achievement gap's result on the country's economy, taxpayers, prisons, and unemployment, Fortune asks the question, "How can low-achieving minorities close the achievement gap?" The answers are revealed in 514 pages of meticulous research, successful strategies, and on-site visits to 7 gap-closing, California K-12 public schools. Join Fortune's engaging and revealing conversations with: Administrators who are strong, dedicated leaders - focused on educating each student Teachers who know why their students are 100% proficient or advanced and share their practices Parents who prioritize learning, in school and at home, and are cheerleaders for their children's progress Examples of data included in the book are: Detailed data on the 144 California public schools with high minority (African American and Hispanic) and high socioeconomically disadvantaged students chosen for the study Tables and reports on 20 gap-closing, high minority schools as well as tables on 20 low-achieving schools Tables and reports of similarities from 15 high-achieving Asian schools Over 400 images include: Photos taken at the school site visits Exhibits of school documents: parent contracts, teachers' lesson plans, interview instruments Tables, graphs and charts supporting research on the API and CST, ethnicity, teachers' credentials and salaries, school finances, class size, enrollment, textbooks and more Recommended resources (27 websites and/or publications) to encourage learning are also carefully reviewed. BRIDGING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP powerfully illuminates the path for change with practical and proven practices, and is a valuable resource to the education profession. Special Offers A new DVD for parents, PARENTING PRACTICES: How Successful Parents Bridge the Achievement Gap and other publications are available from the author. See his website: www.fortuneandassociates.com. You may also e-mail Fortune at: [email protected]. Please include your daytime/cell phone number.

"With a wonderful mix of theory and practice, this volume is for professionals and for lay people, indeed for anyone interested in the crucial questions related to educational leadership in this country. The authors are to be congratulated, and the readers will be grateful for their efforts."
Barry Munitz
President and CEO
JP Getty Trust