1. Academic Achievement The problem of failure The concept of failure
Low achievement in historical perspective

2. The Problem of Failure
No problem is more intractable than that of low achievement and failure
Appears under many different names: slow learner, low achiever, underachiever, retarded, learning disabled
Different manifestations: substandard academic performance and Inappropriate school behavior

3. The Concept of Failure The language of failure
Postmodern concept of failure that looks at the language in which we talk about students, teachers, schools. Curriculum, etc.
Failure as a set of practices linked to language
Failure as an element of power and regulation

4. Low Achievement and Common Schooling
Schools should be widely accessible
Accessibility and diversity
Differentiation as the answer
Five strategies for differentiation

5. Special Classes The first approach
Total or partial removal from the regular class
Initially serving a broad category known as “backwardness”
Ultimately becoming more specialized: mentally retarded, learning disabled, etc.

6. Curriculum Modification
Designed for less severely impaired children who could be educated in regular classes with modification
Same designation as regular classes but adjustments in curriculum and pedagogy\

7. Small Classes Reduce class size to allow for more individual attention
Little or no curriculum modification
Confusing legacy

8. Regular Classroom
Informal efforts of teachers to provide for low-achievers in the regular classroom
Additional attention
Praise
Curriculum modifications
Vocationalization

9. Innovative Teaching Finding ways to engage students
through innovative curricular and
pedagogical strategies in the regular
classroom

10. Compensatory Education
Remedial and developmental strategies to provide for urban, minority youth
Can involve any of the strategies noted above introduced in urban and rural schools with high degrees of poverty and disadvantage
Failure within the child, not within the society

11. Afro-Centric Curriculum
Infuse African and African American
content into the curriculum-celebration
of African peoples and culture, African
language, high standards, firm
Discipline, increased parental
participation, single-sex classrooms

12. Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Belief in student success
School-community connection
Equitable relationship with students
Collaborative learning
Constructivism
Critical view of the curriculum
Classroom exploration and dialogue