Failing Grades: The Quest for Equity in America's Schools

Failing Grades expands the look at the causes of violence and failure in America's schools. By focusing on interpersonal relations among diverse groups of students, the book demonstrates how conflict and low academic achievement are the result of clashes over communication, fairness, class, and race. Readers will learn how such conflicts arise and what steps can be taken to prevent them. This second edition contains new case studies derived from the author's experiences with students, teachers, and administrators; has a discussion of graduation rates, the achievement gap, and inadequacies of contemporary education; and contains an appendix that outlines how teachers can implement dialogues and other multicultural activities in their classes.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Why Kids Are Angry Chapter 2 Students' Lives Chapter 3 Stereotypes: Nobody's Born a Bigot Chapter 4 Teachers: I Don't Get No Respect! Chapter 5 Setting the Tone: How Policy Makers Affect School Climate Chapter 6 Special Education: I'm Not Stupid! Chapter 7 Epilogue: Making a Difference Chapter 8 Appendix: Activities for Making Happier Classrooms

About the Author :
H. Roy Kaplan is a visiting associate professor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Formerly the executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice of Tampa Bay, Dr. Kaplan has received local and national honors for his work in making schools culturally friendly for all students and staff.

Review :
Review of the first edition: H. Roy Kaplan presents an honest and searing account of the many emotional, social, and cultural struggles that too often confront America's teenagers when they go to school each day. Kaplan writes from experience and he cares deeply about giving young people the power and the skills they need to overcome the differences, real or perceived, that keep them apart.... Review of the first edition: I am so very moved and impressed by [Kaplan's] words and message... It strikes very close to my heart and has such an intense truth to it all. [This] book is much needed and needs to be read by so many other educators and administrators and law enforcement.... By focusing on interpersonal relations among diverse group of students, the book demonstrates how conflict is the result of clashes over communication, fairness, class and race. Review of the first edition: For too many of our children, their schools breed unhappiness and frustration. Through the voices of students and others, this book tells why and offers recommendations to prevent it..... Review of the first edition: H. Roy Kaplan presents an honest and searing account of the many emotional, social, and cultural struggles that too often confront America's teenagers when they go to school each day. Kaplan writes from experience and he cares deeply about giving young people the power and the skills they need to overcome the differences, real or perceived, that keep them apart. Review of the first edition: For too many of our children, their schools breed unhappiness and frustration. Through the voices of students and others, this book tells why and offers recommendations to prevent it. Review of the first edition: I am so very moved and impressed by [Kaplan's] words and message... It strikes very close to my heart and has such an intense truth to it all. [This] book is much needed and needs to be read by so many other educators and administrators and law enforcement.