Learning Magazine has selected a book written by a former Boise State dean and an alumna for the 2015 Teachers’ Choice Award for Professional Development.
The magazine selected “Building a Culture of Hope” written by Robert D. Barr, former dean of the College of Education, and Emily L. Gibson, (Ed.D., 2011) for the prestigious award. A national network of teacher panels reviews publications and makes recommendations to a national board, which makes the final selections.
The book provides essential new insights into the characteristics of high poverty, high performing schools and adds a new dimension to the organizational and instructional strategies used to improve schools during the last decade.
“Building a Culture of Hope” explains the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of students living in poverty, especially the learned helplessness that is so often associated with poverty.
Barr’s and Gibson’s research in high poverty schools identified four “seeds of hope” essential for effective education. These seeds of hope include:
- A sense of optimism
- A sense of belonging
- A sense of pride and self-confidence
- A sense of purpose
Barr and Gibson identified the seeds of hope through observational research in high poverty, high performing schools throughout the United States.
Other national recognition for their work includes:
- In 2014, the American Association of Publisher’s REVERE Distinguish Book Award selected “Building a Culture of Hope” as a finalist.
- Barr has been invited to speak on the culture of hope at the Nevada School Superintendents Association and the Nevada School Boards Association this month.
- Barr and Gibson will present at the National Youth At-Risk Conference in Savannah, Georgia, and the National Association of School Boards national conference in Nashville, Tennessee, this spring.
- Barr and Gibson have been invited to make a videotaped and live streamed presentation regarding the culture of hope at the National Title I Conference in Salt Lake City in February.
- An article by Barr and Gibson focusing on school cultures of hope will be the lead article for Educational Leadership’s summer 2015 international digital issue, circulated to more than 500,000 readers.
- Many school districts and professors are using “Building a Culture of Hope” for reading and discussion. The ninth largest school district in Ohio has used the book for reading and discussion in all of its elementary, middle and high schools.
For more information, visit the Building a Culture of Hope webpage, blog or Facebook page.