About this Book

Inspired by his ability to teach algebra to low-income and mostly African American and Latino urban students--and have them outscore the state averages for high-income and Caucasian students on standardized tests--Kadhir "Raja" Rajagopal, the 2011 California Teacher of the Year, provides you with a model for teaching that unleashes the potential of students who may have failed or struggled throughout their school careers. His create model for closing achievement gaps helps you improve your instructional approach for all students, especially those who are under-served in urban classrooms. Using examples from math, language arts, and other subjects, Rajagopal explains how to achieve success with even the most disruptive and disengaged students by: (1) Incorporating learning styles, culture, background, prior knowledge, vocabulary, music, and sports into the curriculum; (2) Using a question-and-answer instructional style with multiple checks for understanding; (3) Making success personal and visible by using individualized student contracts and rewards that enforce high expectations; (4) Deciding what is essential in your content standards and developing a flexible pacing guide based on your students' needs; (5) Scaffolding content to individual student's abilities and making sure each student "gets it" before you move on; (6) Looking for independent mastery in class by circulating constantly around the room and examining the work of every student; (7) Arming students with strategies for overcoming the inherent biases of standardized tests; and (8) Using cooperative learning and one-on-one tutoring for students who have the most difficulty completing the in-class assignments. Following the introduction, "The Create Model," the following chapters are included: (1) Culturally Responsive Instruction; (2) Rigorous Expectations and Rewards; (3) Essentials-focused Planning; (4) Assessing for Mastery During Class; (5) Test Models; and (6) Extra One on One Tutoring for Struggling Students. Also included is "Making the create model work for you, references, and appendix. A Study Guide, for Create Success! Unlocking the Potential of Urban Students is also included.