dlberglund's review
4.0
Very useful and important book about being a more mindful ally and coach to students, particularly students of color who can easily become disengaged from school because of low expectations or unintentional bias. It's way past time for white teachers like me to get serious about being anti-racist advocates in our classrooms and schools, and this book can help us do so in practical ways. The theories and strategies are easily applied, though the mindset of culturally responsive teaching takes active practice.
My only quibble is that there wasn't enough of the brain science in the book for me. It didn't get serious about neuroscience until chapter 8, and I wish there had been more of it.
My only quibble is that there wasn't enough of the brain science in the book for me. It didn't get serious about neuroscience until chapter 8, and I wish there had been more of it.
sonali1214's review
5.0
Excellent tips. Checklists to reflect on teaching practice. I still think about the part where she emphasizes self-motivated learners vs. learned helplessness, and how to move between those two.
zillabird's review
4.0
A fantastic book on culturally responsive teaching. My main complaint about the book is that I, personally, think it takes a little too much time to get around to the "good stuff". I enjoy a good discussion and dissection of information as much as the next person, but it genuinely came across sometimes as if the actionable information provided in the last two chapters was held back so as to keep you reading. This book could have either been significantly shorter, or much, much longer with more examples, instruction, and anecdotes. Additionally, I would have liked to get some quotes from students as well as the teachers. I would have wished to see how the effects looked from their end.
jerrica's review
4.0
O yea I finished this a while ago. Good stuff. Who knew teachers actually had to be skilled? At this pay grade you'd think I'd be flipping burgers, not molding the minds of tomorrow with racial and cultural sensitivity.