educational anthropology

Profiles teachers whose aim is to affirm and strengthen cultural identity, thereby improving the lives of African-American students and all children.

Presents essays in which the author, an African-American teacher, chronicles her efforts to understand the perspectives her multi-racial students bring to the classroom, discussing the reasons why many white and middle-class African-American teachers encounter problems teaching students from different cultures.

Defines some of the issues surrounding cultural differences and social learning in the United States; presenting a model for teaching social skills, discussing the specific cultural groups of Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics; and considering the teaching implications of gender.

Provides an insider's account of the Chinese school system, revealing the secrets that make it both the best and worst in the world, discussing that despite turning out the world's highest-achieving students in reading, math, and science, Chinese educators, parents, and political leaders hate the system and long to send their kids to western schools; and discusses how current reforms in the United States parallel the classic Chinese system.

Discusses factors in the achievement gap, examining causes of miscommunication between teachers and children of color, as well as between teachers and parents of color, and explores solutions, presenting suggestions for teachers and recommendations for policy makers on teacher assessment regarding cultural difference issues.

Profiles eight teachers whose aim is to affirm and strengthen cultural identity, thereby improving the lives of African-American students and all children.