"True insight is provided in a book that captures the reader’s attention throughout. This book should be in the hands of every principal and teacher that works with Hispanic students."

–Salvador Cavazos, Principal, Fulmore Middle School, Austin, Texas

"This publication offers a message of hope for teachers and administrators across the country who are engaged in the teaching and learning process with Hispanic students."

–From the Foreword by Sylvia R. Hatton and Ellen Gonzalez, Region One Service Center

This practical volume provides school administrators and teachers with the tools they need to transform ordinary schools into high-performing schools:


• Provides a framework for creating successful learning communities

• Shows teachers specific classroom practices that academically motivate minority children

• Recommends leadership practices that school principals can use to foster academic excellence

• Outlines strategies for involving parents in their children’s education

• Describes specific assessment practices

• Includes true-to-life, inspiring stories of poor, minority students succeeding academically

Pedro Reyes and Jay D. Scribner are both professors at The University of Texas at Austin in the Public School Executive Leadership Program. Alicia Paredes Scribner is an associate professor of School Psychology at Southwest Texas State University.