Black Students / Middle Class Teachers (Paperback)

by Jawanza Kunjufu (Author) "Can middle-income teachers educate low-income children?..." (more)
Key Phrases: referral agents, ditto sheets, ineffective teachers, African American, Head Start, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Kunjufu, an educational consultant and author of several nonfiction books on African American affairs, offers another in the wide array of recently published books on why the educational system is failing minority children. Kunjufu's book examines why black children, more than 50 percent of whom live below the poverty line, are still lagging behind in educational achievement. He cites a variety of factors, including negative peer pressure, lack of parental involvement, school funding discrepancies, and even genetics. But much of the problem, he believes, stems from the fact that 83 percent of the elementary-school teacher population is made up of white, middle-class females. Low teacher expectations, mismatched teaching and learning styles, lack of time, tracking, and an irrelevant Eurocentric curriculum are, he claims, at the root of the problem. In the last chapter, Kunjufu provides examples of successful programs aimed at closing the achievement gap between blacks and the rest of the school-age population. While there are many books on educational improvement, this one provides a fresh view from a different perspective and is recommended for academic and public libraries.
Mark Bay, Cumberland Coll. Lib., Williamsburg, KY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
This compelling look at the relationship between the majority of African American students and their teachers provides answers and solutions to the hard-hitting questions facing education in today's black and mixed-race communities. Are teachers prepared by their college education departments to teach African American children? Are schools designed for middle-class children and, if so, what are the implications for the 50 percent of African Americans who live below the poverty line? Is the major issue between teachers and students class or racial difference? Why do some of the lowest test scores come from classrooms where black educators are teaching black students? How can parents negotiate with schools to prevent having their children placed in special education programs? Also included are teaching techniques and a list of exemplary schools that are successfully educating African Americans.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: African American Images (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913543810
• ISBN-13: 978-0913543818
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,289 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring, December 10, 2005

By	H. Pagliughi "hpagliughi" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

if I hadn't started reading this book later in the evening, I would have read it cover to cover in one sitting, but I stopped in the middle to sleep! I read this book prior to entering a teaching credential program, and am really glad that I did, because it has given me a framework to evaluate my teacher education as I go through it to make sure I learn the skills I need to teach in my neck of the woods.

I feel really empowered by it. He gives lots of references to other books and organizations. I feel really excited and inspired!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ** A Must For Every Urban Educator **, June 10, 2003

By A Customer

I highly recommend this book by Jawanza Kunjufu. I've taught in the urban setting and this book unlocks a lot of behind the scenes info that I was not aware of. As always, he shares lots of research for continued study.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Insightful, June 19, 2003

By	Kelvin L. Reed (Las Vegas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was totally captivated by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu's book. It's a fascinating read that offers numerous valuable and practical suggestions for improving the academic achievement of America's Black students. Dr. Kunjufu, a prolific writer, thinker and educational consultant, writes with considerable simplicity and authority.