"Recognizing the importance of race, class, gender, culture, and ability, the authors provide a window into the difficulties that professional educators grapple with as they face the challenge of teaching all children. This text is both authentic and practical, and it demystifies the issues of equity that pervade today's classrooms." —Diane Yendol-Hoppey, Associate Professor University of Florida, Gainsville "Action research of this caliber on the subject of equity is critically needed for all children to have access to the same level of rigor and high standards. This is a must-read for districts that really want to turn action research into action that affects student learning." —Terry Morganti-Fisher, Director of Professional Development Austin Independent School District, TX Utilize the power of action research to narrow the achievement gap! Despite the best intentions of reform efforts, educational inequity continues to exist in public schools. Creating Equitable Classrooms Through Action Research confronts this challenge head-on and shows educators how they can use action research to both raise student achievement and strengthen instructional leadership. Ideal for both a first-time action research endeavor or one already in progress, this practical guidebook helps practitioners formulate specific research questions, collect and analyze data, and communicate their findings. Educators will discover: Ten action research studies on narrowing the achievement gap Guidelines for implementing an action research project that supports culturally relevant instruction Authentic examples for discussion and reflection Invaluable for school district leaders, teachers, professional development schools, and preservice teachers, this resource for systemwide improvement efforts helps schools provide more equitable learning environments for all children.

Table of Contents:
Foreword - Elizabeth Burmaster Preface Acknowledgments About the Editors About the Contributors Part I. How Action Research Can Promote Equity 1. Classroom Action Research With a Focus on Equity - Cathy Caro-Bruce, Mary Klehr 2. Implementing a School District Action Research Program - Cathy Caro-Bruce, Mary Klehr Part II. Action Research Studies 3. Been There Done That: Student Inquiry About High School Dropouts - Erik J. Shager 4. What Strategies Can I Incorporate So That the English Language Learners in My Classroom Will Better Understand Oral Directions? - Shannon K. Richards 5. Understanding High School Black Male Students′ Achievement and School Experience - Quynh T. Nguyen 6. What Teacher Behaviors Encourage One At-Risk African-American Boy to be a Productive Member of Our Classroom Community? - Barbara Williams 7. But Then It Got Real - Jane Hammatt Kavaloski 8. We Want to Work With Our Friends - Diane Coccari 9. Ribbons, Racism, and a Placenta: The Challenges and Surprises of Culturally Relevant Teaching - Kate Lyman 10. Conclusions on Using a Constructivist Approach in a Heterogeneous Classroom - Van E. Valaskey 11. Using African American Students′ Preference for Working in Self-Selected Partnerships to Promote Math Achievement - Julie A. Melton 12. Crossing Bridges of Culture, Color, and Language - Denise Hanson Part III. Conclusion 13. Tying It All Together: Implications for Classrooms, Schools, and Districts - Ryan Flessner, Ken Zeichner, and Kalani J. Eggington Index