Dr. Thaddaus L. Phillips is Associate Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Special Education at Coppin State University. In addition to his teaching and administration responsibilities, his research interests lay in improving the educational outlook for African-American males in urban school districts. He has published several articles and has co-edited a textbook in assessment.
2006 0-7734-5890-5 This text is designed to assist educators in urban school districts in closing the achievement gap among African-American males. It provides a framework for innovative educators to extrapolate creative methods and strategies for closing the achievement gap. This book demonstrates that African-American males’ achievement and standards can be improved if appropriate reforms and prerequisite skills associated with standards are employed. Widespread support and a concerted effort from the community and policy makers are needed to successfully achieve the recommended reforms advocated in this text. Alone, urban schools are ill-equipped to institute needed reforms and solve problems faced with closing the achievement gap among African-American males. Interagency collaboration and cooperation from various human services headed by the school are needed.