A Book Report of:
Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools:
Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Classrooms

Abstract
This paper is intended to explore and report upon the topics posited by Tyrone C. Howard in his book, Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools: Closing the Achievement Gap in Americas Classrooms. Closely examining each and every chapter as they come and how the structure of this book gives a detailed framework and guidance system for novice and experienced teachers to take their pedagogical skills to more diverse and multicultural levels. Also, this paper will review a few lessons or projects that can be adapted and used within my personal educational institute in order to create …show more content…

Howard (2010) initiates the conversation with a quote from the Institute of International Education:
Change always brings difficult challenges. Change is something that presses us out of our comfort zone. It is destiny-filtered, heart grown, faith built. Change is inequitable; not a respecter of persons. Change is for the better of for the worst, depending on where you view it. Change has a ripping effect on those who won’t let go. Flex is the key. Change is won by victors not victims; and that choice is ours. . . . Change is measured by its impact on all who are connected to it. Change happens in the heart before it is proclaimed by our works. Change is like driving in a fog – you can’t see very far, but you can make the whole trip that way. . . . Change is here to stay.
This was a poignant quote to include that truly delivers on the context of the chapter.
Chapter Three Many who approach culture as a descriptor of race or ethnicity are wrong according to Howard (2010) for “culture is a misunderstood and misinterpreted construct” (p. 51-52). The author entitles this chapter, Culture (p.51) Using sociocultural theory as means of clarifying what ways culture is talked about, disseminated, analyzed and understood, Howard makes one see the many different applications of culture and how misunderstanding culture could lead to adverse effects for students and teachers alike. There are too many factors that go