"This book provides a cogent argument for including urban students in the dialogue on urban school reform. The students, because of their insider status, offer clear, specific views concerning those conditions that foster and hinder their learning. The students' suggestions warrant serious attention by those who are genuinely concerned about improving the quality of education in urban schools." -- Grace Cureton Stanford, The Pennsylvania State University
"This book persuasively makes the case for--and uses effectively--student perspective as a key component of school reform. The implications for change of teachers' practice and for school reform in general are unmistakable and compelling." -- Gil Schmerler, Bank Street College of Education
According to the many student voices in this book, urban middle school students want teachers who "stay on them" to complete their work, maintain orderly classrooms, give them the extra help they need to succeed, explain their work clearly, draw on a variety of teaching strategies, and make their work relevant and meaningful. This book, rich in detail, brings these inner-city students' perspectives to life and issues a compelling call for urban school reform that actually touches students' daily lives.