Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap: Liberating Mindsets to Effective Change

by Anthony Muhammad

Ensure learning equality in every classroom. Investigate previous and current policies designed to help close the achievement gap. Examine predominant mindsets that contradict school missions to promote equal academic opportunities, and consider the psychological impact this has on students. Explore strategies for adopting a new mindset that frees educators and students from negative academic performance expectations.

Genres: Professional Development, Leadership, Nonfiction, Teaching, Education

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2015

Reviews

[Lynnluis Colon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The author is an amazing presenter, wise leader, and knowledgeable of research. I guess the book had too much research on the problems we are already are aware of. We know poverty, equity, and racism are huge problems in our schools. I was looking for answers and only took the idea of perhaps having a character development committee at the school next year. If you are a trying to convince someone of inequality in our schools, this is a short read that will open people's eyes.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presented some interesting ideas to think about, but it was lacking in application. My overall takeaway was that individual schools can effect change, but national and global educational change are nearly impossible.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new, but places information in one place. Not the best professional book I've read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text achieves what other books do not accomplish on the "Achievement Gap" topic: a concise and daringly honest assessment of why the gap exists in the first place, and a clear recommendation to address it. Muhammad tackles the realities of societal inequities and shows how these inequities are reflected in the structure and practices of our education system. He also puts the responsibility of affecting change on the shoulders of ALL parties, not limiting them to certain sectors or subgroups. Above all, he lays bare the facts that many people in our society are comfortable with either having superiority over others or, in contrast, laying the blame elsewhere when they do not have opportunity or success. He challenges that both these mindsets and proposes an alternative that can help us reach equitable circumstances within our schools. Overall, this is a great, concise consolidation of culturally relevant pedagogy, social justice, innovative leadership strategies, and theory of mindset.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book that was filled with the statistics to back up all the claims. While many of the challenges and gaps are very well known to exist it was very eye-opening and powerful to read all the efforts that have been tried and failed with some gaps getting larger. Anthony Muhammad goes through the commitments that need to be made and the cultural changes that need to happen in order for us to close the achievement gaps. He also points out three different mindsets that people have and the need to get everyone on board with the liberation mindset for equality and equity in education. It is a very strong and powerful called action.

[Spacek Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a study begun with superintendents in NEWASA (Northeast Washington Association of School Administrators). In-person education closed schools in March and the book study was put on hold. I went ahead and finished it because of the important title of the book.

The book could be a companion book to Transforming School Culture also by Anthony Muhammad. He covers three mindsets that are associated with the achievement gap trap. The Liberation Mindset is the mindset that must be developed in staff! We all need to push staff, students, and community toward equality, responsibility, with advocacy for what is needed.

[Allison Sirovy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book does an excellent job of explaining why we still have the achievement gap by discussing the three mindsets - superiority, victim, and liberation, and I feel like I have a decent grasp on what needs to change in our schools. But . . . the author didn't give enough specifics on how to bring about that change. I can understand the theories and all that, but my brain needs way more specifics and examples of how schools are achieving equality in their schools. On a side note, all educators should be required to read this book.

[Creighton · Rating 1 out of 5]

"all we need to fix education is a mindset shift, man. just change your focus, bro. it's all in how you perceive the world around you, man. just open up the doors of perception, and education will be fixed, my bro," is the most 70s hippy garbage I've ever heard. this is bad literature, don't read it

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self Reflection is Crucial

You can read this book with the mindset of “a good rendering of why other people are wrong” or with the mindset of “I really could improve my thinking and actions in that area”. I recommend the later.

[Jennykaye Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a deeper look at the achievement gap and what a change in mindset can do to close this gap. Lots of thought provoking ideas brought up that will make an educator rethink things.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book makes you rethink equity and access.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot to think about.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging and necessary examination of our own educational mindsets!

[KTP · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute MUST read for all educators (and just humans in general)!

[Karen Colarossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. Should give pause to all educators.

[Katie Eberenz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of things we already knew about what's wrong in public schools...a lot less information on how to realistically make change.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are new to equity work in education this is a great starting place. I appreciated the surveys he created to assess perception and beliefs of individuals and schools to use.

[Robyn Depping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relevant for any educator or parent of a student to look at how the system is failing our students of color and how me can change the narrative.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

A call to action to stop excuses and serve our student.

[Colleen Spillers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information. But difficult to digest. Muhammad tells us what we need to know and what we know we need to do, but what we are afraid to hear. All educators need to read his works and then take action - no more excuses. No more talk. It's about doing best for our students and the time is now.