Affirmative Development

Cultivating Academic Ability

Edmund W Gordon author Beatrice L Bridglall author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield

Published:13th Dec '06

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Affirmative Development cover

According to Gordon and Bridglall, the ability to learn is more of a developed human capacity than a fixed aptitude with which one is born. They argue that the emergence of academic ability is associated with exposure to specialized cultures that privilege the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that schools reward. Children who are born to and raised in these cultures tend to do well in school, while those who are not exposed to such cultures tend seldom rise to high levels of academic achievement. Through a collection of interesting essays, Affirmative Development: Cultivating Academic Ability attempts to address how we can deliberately develop academic ability in those children who are not raised under conditions that predispose them to develop high levels of academic ability.

This collection of readings builds on constructivist and critical literacy theories to advocate not only for 'equal opportunities' and 'affirmative action,' but for gathering together all the cognitive, social, cultural, and psychological forces of society as a whole to empower children to reach their fullest academic potential. Recommended. * CHOICE *
This set of essays provides a bold vision of the many forms of human capital that any society—particularly one with abundant resources—ought to develop in its children and youth. It is a necessary handbook for educators, social workers, health professionals—anyone committed to the development and wellbeing of all young people. -- Dennie Palmer Wolf, Brown University
The development of human capacity for all, but especially for minority students, is at the core of this important book. Based on Gordon's longstanding commitment to equity and social justice and the role of education in this endeavor, this volume presents the seminal thinking of Gordon and Bridglall around the concept of Affirmative Development. Because of its original conceptualization, its richness in historical and sociopsychological details, and the practicality of the recommendations, this book is a must read for all educators interested in educational equity and in the development of academic abilities of minorities and those who are low on wealth. -- Ofelia García, Columbia University

ISBN: 9780742516595

Dimensions: 231mm x 154mm x 24mm

Weight: 467g

310 pages