About The Book
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The academic acheivement gap is no longer confined to a black and white; rich and poor dynamic. The struggling performance of America's public school students has become one of the most critical issues facing our nation in the 21st century. As a result, questions are arising regarding America's ability to successfully compete in the Global Marketplace. The consequences are profound for every facet of our society.
Even our best students are fading quickly when compared to their counterparts in other highly advanced nations. Indeed, our brightest students are barely mid range performers on international assessments "A Nation at Risk," informed us of this impending truth nearly thirty years ago if we did not move to effectively address the basic, rudimentary flaws and inequities in our public education system. Eradicating this (America/World) achievement gap most now be one of our nation's highest priorities.
Our new book, More Like Barack, Less like Tupac: Eradicating the Academic Achievement Gap by Countering Decade of the Hip Hop Hoax, should be required reading for all educators, youth professionals, coaches, mentors, social workers, business and political leaders who are concerned about the future of our public school students.
The author has adopted a “no excuses” position for parents, teachers, educational reformers, corporate, and political leaders in reclaiming the hearts and minds of America's students.
As the title suggests, the book provides a look into the ways in which personal decisions can change the trajectory of one's life. Specifically discussed are the decisions that guided the lives of Barack Obama and Tupac Shakur. Two young men of talent and promise but faced with enormous challenges. It exposes how a single decision, at any given point, can make all the difference. It reveals how internalized feelings, experiences, and expectations can lead to becoming the leader of the free world, or an angry, mis-guided, tragic victim of gun violence.
The book succinctly discusses the economic impact that academic underachievement has upon our communities, and thus the nation, as a result of the rejection of scholarship among to many of our students. It speaks to the wasted lives and potential of, particularly black male, students who aspire only towards entertainment and athletics, and how we must expose all young people the vast, myriad of options available. It also calls for a return to parental discipline and authority.
Moreover, the book will reveal what must be done today to encourage and guide students towards academic proficiency and ultimately scholastic success.
al@alfonzoporter.com
