Building a Culture of Hope: Enriching Schools With Optimism and Opportunity
In the era of high-stakes testing and accountability ratings, Barr and Gibson provide educators with a much needed dose of humanity. This book does more than provide a shot in the arm for schools and students who lack hope; it provides a theory, structure, and methodology for any school struggling to inspire underserved students."Anthony Muhammad, educational consultant, author ofTransforming School CultureandThe Collaborative AdministratorAll children, regardless of race or wealth, want to feel safe and secure, to be loved and experience a sense of belonging, and to become competent and capable. As educators, our moral obligation is to create the context and conditions to meet these universal needs so that each of our graduates is college, career and life ready. Bob Barr and Emily Gibson provide a pragmatic road map for systemically building a culture of hope in our public schools and classrooms. Today, more than ever, we need new constructs that connect people, purpose, and passion through transformative practices, recognizing the interdependency of relationships and results. Steven T. Webb, Superintendent, Vancouver (WA) Public SchoolsIf we don't believe that the American dream is dying, this important book reminds us it is chronically ill. Barr and Gibson highlight the tragic failure of education to respond to the growing achievement gap between rich and poor, then give us clear directions for turning those schools into gateways out of poverty. Take an honest look around. Then use some of the authentic instruments and surveys in this essential resource. The time for action is now. --Alan Boyle, director, Leannta Education Associates