A Pedagogy of Success: Meeting the Challenges of Urban Middle Schools

Abstract

ducators have long sought to increase academic achievement among young adolescents in urban middle schools. Certain methods have produced gains in standardized test scores, but the gains have tended to be small and short-lived in some schools, causing educators to ask whether might be needed. The search for something more has focused on (a) understanding and dealing with particular problems and challenges associated with an urban setting and population, (b) preparing, recruiting, and keeping teachers who can be effective in urban school environments, and (c) reaching, teaching, and motivating urban young adolescents. To develop what may be called a pedagogy of success, all three factors-challenges, teachers, and students-must be addressed.