Gaining on the Gap: Changing Hearts, Minds, and Practice [Paperback]

Gaining on the Gap: Changing Hearts, Minds, and Practiceserves as a guide along the journey taken by six individuals who each played a role in moving a school system along a path where race would not be a predictor for academic success. Join us as we share insights to challenges and victories as well as a close look at our own personal and professional growth.

Robert G. Smithis associate professor in the George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development's Education Leadership program.

Alvin L. Crawleyis assistant superintedent for student services at Arlington Public Schools.

Cheryl Robinsonis the supervisor for the Office of Minority Achievement for the Arlington Public Schools.

Timothy Cotman, Jr.is a minority achievement coordinator with the Arlington Public Schools.

Marty Swaimis a cultural competence trainer.

Palma Joe Strandis associate professor at Creighton Law School in Omaha, Nebraska.

The achievement gap plagues schools and school divisions around the country. In this compelling book, four staff members and a parent from the Arlington Public Schools (VA), along with former APS Superintendent, Rob Smith, have chronicled the district's more than 12 year attempt to grapple with the difficult issues and move toward the heart of the problem. Looking back over their journey, the APS team believes that solutions to the gap challenge must come from a real awareness of the systemic nature of the problem, the effective and intentional use of data, and a shared responsibility for the development of solutions. There is much to learn from their thoughtfully told stories. Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association; former school superintendent

The strength of the book is in how a school board, superintendent, and determined staff including teachers tackled a thorny and wicked problem and built slowly an infrl3$