This practical, empowering book addresses the challenges facing educators, school administrators, and families in low socioeconomic status urban settings and presents field-tested strategies for promoting reading, writing, and oral language success. Featuring thorough research reviews, instructional models, resources, and portraits of exemplary urban classrooms, the book provides a wealth of ideas that can readily be put into practice. Coverage
* What highly effective literacy instruction looks like in today's urban classroom * Understanding-and counteracting-the factors that put poor children at risk * When diversity is the making instruction welcoming to all * Lesson plans and lists of children's literature that meet urban students' specific needs * Keys to building strong family and community partnerships