New Book is First on How to Close Achievement Gap for Minority Students

RICHFIELD, MN, March 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) As both a student from a welfare family and as a professional educator, M. Donnell Tenner knows firsthand the woes of the educational system. In his revolutionary new book "240 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap," he states: "I believe in young people. I believe that they can have the American dream and live life more abundantly with the right programs and guidance." Tenner knows that despite all the media attention the education crisis receives, few solutions have been tried, and even fewer have succeeded. Tenner seeks to change that with 240 practical steps for improvement in the first book ever about how to close the achievement gap for black and Latino students.

Tenner is not afraid to state unabashedly what the problems are, why they exist, and why they have failed to be resolved. He speaks to all Americans when he says, "What is the quality of your intent? We put a man on the moon; we can fly into outer space. We can find ways to use technology in ways that I have never imagined. We can spend Billions, and I mean Billions on war and corruption. But we can't seem to grasp the idea of closing the achievement gap. America when the less fortunate need you the most you seem not to rise to the occasion." In this book, Tenner calls upon the entire nation to step up and solve the problem, and he gives practical solutions to be implemented by everyone responsible—students, parents, teachers, school boards, churches, and all citizens.

Boldly revealing mistakes in the education system, Tenner condemns "social promotion"—the passing of a student when the student is not prepared for the next grade simply so the student's self-esteem is not hurt; this situation only harms the student in the long run. Tenner provides information on the importance of male role models, a greater emphasis on reading, how schools must be pro-active to prevent gangs from forming, and multiple other issues that must receive attention if the achievement gap is to close. Especially beneficial are his numerous "Top Ten" lists for teachers, communities, school districts, and other members of society. The solutions Tenner offers are logical, practical, and doable.

"240 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap" offers for the first time not just facts about the problem but viable solutions for it. This book should be read by teachers, school boards, parents, high school students, and everyone who wants America to have a brighter future. Far more than just ideas or theory, Tenner shows that many of the action points he shares have been proven to work by offering a case study of how Dayton's Bluff elementary school, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Minnesota, successfully turned itself around. Tenner's proven solutions offer a straightforward path to hope for undeserved black and Latino children everywhere—and for all of us.

About the Author

M. Donnell Tenner is a motivational speaker, author, and educational consultant on inner-city youth. His professional experiences include work as a basketball coach, law enforcement officer, professional football player, and K-12 education administrator. Despite being raised in a single-parent home; a childhood surrounded by welfare, domestic abuse, and family members who used drugs; and an ADHD diagnosis, Tenner not only graduated from high school but went on to achieve a bachelor and master's degree. Tenner recently completed his Ed.S at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Educational Leadership and is preparing to begin his doctoral dissertation.

"240 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap: Action Points to Salvaging the Futures of Black & Latino Students" can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit http://www.ClosetheGapNow.net. Publicity contact: ClosetheGapNow@gmail.com. Review copies available upon request.

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