Shooting for Excellence: African American and Youth Culture in New Century Schools

Two teachers, both African American, teach English in the same inner-city high school. Ms. Parks has astounding success with her students, who read, interact, and strive for success. Ms. Johnson's students, on the other hand, are frequently disruptive and even fall asleep in class. Why the difference? This book probes deep into the causes of this and other issues that affect American schools today. Through a series of vignettes, Jabari Mahiri demonstrates how two connected cultures-of African Americans and of youth-cannot be ignored if one is to effect change in education. His scope encompasses computer technology, multiculturalism, tracking, race relations, and the canon, as well as specific aspects of African American culture, such as signifying and receiver-centered discourse.