Title: Promises kept : raising Black boys to succeed in school and in life /
Authors: Brewster, Joe; Stephenson, Michèle.; Beard, Hilary.
Year: 2013
Subjects: American promise (Television program); African American boys Education.; African American boys Conduct of life.; African American boys Social conditions.; Academic achievement United States; Educational equalization United States.; Parenting United States
Abstract: Regardless of how wealthy or poor their parents are, all black boys must confront and surmount the "achievement gap" a divide that shows up not only in our sons' test scores, but in their social and emotional development, their physical well-being, and their outlook on life. As children, they score as high on cognitive tests as their peers, but at some point, the gap emerges. Why? This is the question Joe Brewster, M.D., and Michele Stephenson asked when their own son, Idris, began struggling in a new school. As they filmed his experiences for their award-winning documentary "American Promise," they met an array of researchers who had not only identified the reasons for the gap, but had come up with practical, innovative solutions to close it.
Contents: The Price of Admission -- Mind the Gap -- It's Bigger than Us -- Canaries in the Mine -- Embracing Change -- CLOSE THE GAP BEFORE IT OPENS: How to Make the Right Choices for Your Son, Before He's Even Born. A Time of Hope, a Time of Anxiety -- A Sign of the Times -- The Greatest Wonder -- A Different World -- Cutting across Class -- Do You Kangaroo? -- Oops! I've Done It Again -- Two to Tango -- Preconception Health for Future Moms and Dads -- BUILD YOUR SON'S BRAIN: Using Brain Science (and Common Sense) to Develop Our Sons Throughout Early Childhood. First Impressions Last -- Laying a Firm Foundation -- Promptly, Warmly, Sensitively -- Executive Education -- Handle with Care -- Keeping Dad in the Picture -- New Conversations -- BE HIS FIRST TEACHER: How to Begin Your Son's Education at Home. Searching Upstream -- Give Him a Leg Up -- Set the Pattern and the Tone -- Open the Gateway -- Play, Not Worksheets -- Talk That Talk -- Number Words Count --