Creating the Opportunity to Learn: Moving from Research to Practice to Close the Achievement Gap

by A. Wade Boykin, Pedro Noguera

"Unless we believe that those who have more are inherently superior to those who have less, we should be troubled by the fact that patterns of achievement are often fairly predictable, particularly with respect to students' race and class." In Creating the Opportunity to Learn , Wade Boykin and Pedro Noguera help navigate the turbid waters of evidence-based methodologies and chart a course toward closing (and eliminating) the academic achievement gap. Turning a critical eye to current and recent research, the authors present a comprehensive view of the achievement gap and advocate for strategies that contribute to the success of all children. Boykin and Noguera maintain that it is possible to close the achievement gap by abandoning failed strategies, learning from successful schools, and simply doing more of what the research shows is most effective. Success is founded on equity, but equity involves more than simply ensuring students have equal access to education; equity also entails a focus on outcomes and results. If we want to bring about significant improvements in those outcomes, we have to do more to address the context in which learning takes place. In short, we must create schools where a child's race or class is no longer a predictor for how well he or she might perform.

Genres: Education, Teaching, School, Leadership

231 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Rose Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're looking for a data dump without any synthesis, this book is perfect for you. The first 150 pages merely state recent research. I found myself writing, "Why?" in the margin more times than I could count because there was no radical exploration of why these inequities originated or have persisted. There is no original thought here. The final chapter, titled "What Can We Do to Close the Gap?" offers a smattering of solutions from school choice to Head Start to reimagining teacher evaluation, but finally admits this: "there is no singular approach that makes it possible for schools to succeed. They simply must do whatever it takes to meet the educational and social needs of the children they serve" (179). I would be far more interested in reading a book that stated this as its premise rather than one that requires you to wade through disconnected research to arrive at this well-known conclusion.

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t be deceived by the lack of a clickbait title or flashy cover, this is one of the best, most practical books Ive read on education. Specifically, the authors give research-based evidence in an accessible manner so that school reform is tangible and practical. You read “Savage Inequalities” and it reveals the nature of our problem (greed), but this book is actionable, revealing how gaps can be addressed through sharing what is working in schools. It is a level-headed examination of what is working and how public schools can adopt effective practices. So grateful I stumbled upon this essential book for education equity advocates—-and what should be a priority for all Americans.

[Jeremiah Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly this book is not for the larger market of readers as it is designed for those that are interested in a review of research relating directly to the work of improving schools. However, because I am involved in this work I must say that I enjoyed this book for so many reasons.

First of all, I believe this book is superior to others that I have read regarding improvement in schools because it was not for the purpose of selling books. While much of the research works that are available provide reformers and instructional leaders with great ideas, many of which might actually work when implemented, the sole purpose for writing the book was to make a profit. The great advantage of this particular work is that Boykin and Noguera simply help the reformer to understand research that has been conducted. They do not present their work as the panacea for education but simply help educators to be aware of what they already know. It is the metacognition they help us to engage in that is the power of this book.

Second of all, I enjoyed this book because the research they reviewed reinforced that the work I am engaged in is successful based on extensive research. For example, Boykin and Noguera reinforce the belief that peer evaluation, coaching, long-term professional development, and gradual release of responsibility with instructional strategies will have positive impact on schools. Certainly my own experiences have reinforced these notions, but I love to have unbiased research to show to other educators to back the work we are currently engaged in.

Finally, I enjoyed the book because it spoke of real steps that must be taken to improve education. None of those are overnight solutions and none of them can be fixed by throwing money at the problem. The book excuses no one from being a part of improving the education of the children of this nation. Parents, teachers, administrators, business leaders, government officials, and surprisingly the children themselves must take an active role in keeping our nation on the fast track towards success.

Educational reform is not easy work. It takes dedication, passion, and a long term vision. This book is a great encouragement to those that have these characteristics.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book points out that the only way children are to make gains is to move from a content-based curriculum to a program that focuses on independent learning strategies. Schools need to determine what each child needs to move ahead. The best content-driven curriculum isn't going to educate a child who is academically 3 years behind his age peers. Schools with diverse student populations are proving that it is possible to close the achievement gap between the races. Schools need to provide an environment that embraces all children and all children feel surrounded by educators who believe they can achieve no matter what their background.

This is definitely a research-based book. I would recommend it to anyone who needs proof, reassurance, or more support that all children can learn.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finished this book as a book study for our work group in Roseville. Lots of interesting ideas about how to access learning for students of color. Some stuff is practical, lots of leads to other things to investigate. All of it really boils down to relationships and creating an environment where students can be successful based on whatever assets they bring to the educational exchange. Or role as educators is not to pre-determine the students needs but to evaluate their needs effectively and to engage learning that works for students.

Blah, blah, blah (really, I'm not that cynical, but...)

[Spacek Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors write an excellent book on creating opportunities to learn for minority/poverty children. The book is broken down into understanding the achievement gap, the research to help close it, and applying the research to practice. One size fits all reform does not help educate students as learning is done in context. Educators must have tools to accomplish their calling to the profession.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the must read books for those who want to teach at our charter school, Esperanza. It has some great suggestions on how we can improve the academic achievement of our Hispanic and/or low income students.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, research-based information provided to improve instruction. The information was accessible and applicable to teachers of all grade levels. I highly recommend this book to teachers working with diverse populations, or teachers and administrators in general.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense but excellent review of current research on what works to close the academic achievement gap between brown and white children.

[Emily Lilja Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the future of education. And the future is now! Pedro Noguera is one of my education heroes.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really important information for educators K-12, and some very sound advice for how to improve the current situation. This is a tiny piece of the puzzle, but a key piece.