Inspired by his ability to teach algebra to low-income and mostly African American and Latino urban students—and have them outscore the state averages for high-income and Caucasian students on standardized tests—Kadhir “Raja” Rajagopal, the 2011 California Teacher of the Year, provides you with a model for teaching that unleashes the potential of students who may have failed or struggled throughout their school careers. His CREATE model for closing achievement gaps helps you improve your instructional approach for all students, especially those who are under-served in urban classrooms. Using examples from math, language arts, and other subjects, Rajagopal explains how to achieve success with even the most disruptive and disengaged students by
- Incorporating learning styles, culture, background, prior knowledge, vocabulary, music, and sports into the curriculum.
- Using a question-and-answer instructional style with multiple checks for understanding.
- Making success personal and visible by using individualized student contracts and rewards that enforce high expectations.
- Deciding what is essential in your content standards and developing a flexible pacing guide based on your students’ needs.
- Scaffolding content to individual student’s abilities and making sure each student “gets it” before you move on.
- Looking for independent mastery in class by circulating constantly around the room and examining the work of every student.
- Arming students with strategies for overcoming the inherent biases of standardized tests.
- Using cooperative learning and one-on-one tutoring for students who have the most difficulty completing the in-class assignments.
(ASCD E-Book, 2011) PDF e-book accompanied by bonus MOBI and EPUB files for use on e-book readers like the Kindle and the Nook. See the e-book FAQ link for information about device compatibility.
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What people are saying about CREATE Success!
“At a time when policymakers place so much emphasis on assessment, we finally have a book that addresses the two most critical issues affecting student achievement: effective teaching and student motivation. Several studies have pointed out that algebra is the gateway to college. Kadhir Rajagopal’s important new book is an excellent guide that will show educators how to make algebra accessible and engaging to the students who most often experience failure in the subject and are prevented from entering higher level math and science courses. For those who realize that the pursuit of equity in education starts with providing effective teaching to all students, this book will be an invaluable resource.”
Dr. Pedro Noguera; executive director and professor, Metropolitan Center for Urban Education, New York University
“This book beautifully illustrates how passionate and adaptive teaching, combined with discipline knowledge, can lead to success with even the most resistant students.”
Dr. Herbert Kohl; writer, teacher, and current Guggenheim Foundation Fellow
“Clearly the issue for reforming schools today is to create learning environments in which students demonstrate high levels of engagement, exhibit successful academic performance, and, of greatest need, are embraced with an authentic respect for their own individuality. Dr. Rajagopal’s CREATE model is a compelling example of how all these attributes for reforming schools can truly be realized.”
Dr. Phil Hunsberger; Senior Partner, Educational Equity Consultants
“At this time in our institutional history, when the question continues to be asked as to whether we can truly educate all students, in preparation for college or career, it is refreshing to have educators like Raja saying, “Yes We Can.” Dr. Rajagopal’s enthusiasm for his students and his faith in teachers and administrators is contagious. The CREATE model makes our task doable. We can ensure that all students pass algebra if we provide support structures so that all educators can CREATE and all students thrive in settings where there is 100 percent student engagement 100 percent of the time. CREATE classrooms are places where all students, especially struggling students, have the support and encouragement they need to learn at high levels. A standing ovation for Dr. Rajagopal!”
Dr. Ramona E. Robinson-Bishop; Associate Superintendent, Twin Rivers Unified School District
“If you want to be a better teacher, open this book to any page. If you want to be a truly effective educator who transforms the lives of at-risk students—read this book from cover to cover!”
Alex Kajitani; 2009 California Teacher of the Year
“At the heart of every successful urban school are teachers such as Dr. Rajagopal, whose motivating, effective teaching strategies, combined with high levels of mutual accountability and respect by and for all students, leads to success every day”
Frank S. Porter; Superintendent, Twin Rivers Unified School District
“Combining strong research with practical classroom experience, Dr. Rajagopal outlines a proven approach for reaching the students our school system most often fails. He understands the social and structural issues that serve as barriers to high academic achievement for students of color, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and English Language Learners. He also provides teachers with concrete tools and knowledge they need to help students overcome these barriers. CREATE is an empowering model for teachers who too often feel powerless to reach the students who need them the most.”
Jarrod Schwartz; Executive Director, Just Communities /Co-Founder, The Institute for Equity in Education
“CREATE Success! Unlocking the Potential of Urban Students should be required reading for teachers, principals, superintendents, school board members, politicians, professors, and others who are concerned about the academic and social achievement for all students—especially Black and Brown children.”
Tony Lamair Burks II, Ed.D.; Area Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
“ Dr. Rajagogal’s book is one of inestimable value for any educator who wants to change the academic landscape for struggling math students. Veteran teachers, as well as teachers new to the field, will benefit from this critical resource, which brilliantly lays out strategies to reach and successfully engage those students who are often marginalized and have 'given up.' ”
Dr. Billie Mayo; Senior Partner, Educational Equity Consultants
“I found the book’s substance and presentation to be compelling and thought provoking. My students who are concentrating in secondary school mathematics education will be reading and discussing this textbook next semester.”
Steve Soltys, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA