The Pedagogy of Confidence

In her new book, Yvette Jackson shows educators how to focus on students' strengths to inspire learning and high intellectual performance. Jackson asserts that the myth that the route to increase achievement by focusing on weaknesses (promoted by policies such as NCLB) has blinded us to the strengths and intellectual potential of urban students, devaluing the motivation, initiative, and confidence of dedicted educators to search for and optimize this potential. The Pedagogy of Confidencedispels this myth and provides practical approaches to rekindle educators' belief in their ability to inspire the vast capacity of their urban students. The author describes practical approaches and examples of how inspirational educators implement High Operational Practices, offering strategies for dealing with cultural disconnects, the influence of new technologies, and language preferences of students. This book illustrates how educators empower student investment in the "mediative learning community" to foster positive relationships.

Yvette Jackson is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, founded at the College Board and Teachers College, Columbia University. She is internationally recognized for her work in assessing the learning potential of disenfranchised urban students. Yvette Jackson is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact: yjackson.poc@gmail.com