Festus E Obiakor – författare

Discover the key strategies to empowering African American students with exceptionalities!Central to the teaching and learning of African American students is an understanding of their cultures, background experiences, and perspectives, while applying this understanding to the design, implementation, and assessment of educational programs. This comprehensive, culturally responsive approach is supported by straightforward and in-depth contributions from more than 25 leading scholars and practitioners featured in this book.The guide focuses on specific, innovative methods for maximizing the learning opportunities and outcomes of African American students—from dealing with foundational issues such as accountability, categorization, and legal implications, to managing learning environments and enhancing school practices through teacher preparation and early childhood programs. By providing concrete rationales and solutions for maximizing the intellectual, academic, and social achievement of African American learners, this groundbreaking text presents the tools necessary for meeting the needs of these students, including: Assessment and instructional techniques for general and special education programs, including discussions on specific learning disabilities Intervention tactics for behavioral issues Tips for utilizing family and community resources to complement the classroom Strategies for enhancing students′ communication skills and maximizing the potential of gifted and talented learners

Discover the key strategies to empowering African American students with exceptionalities!Central to the teaching and learning of African American students is an understanding of their cultures, background experiences, and perspectives, while applying this understanding to the design, implementation, and assessment of educational programs. This comprehensive, culturally responsive approach is supported by straightforward and in-depth contributions from more than 25 leading scholars and practitioners featured in this book.The guide focuses on specific, innovative methods for maximizing the learning opportunities and outcomes of African American students—from dealing with foundational issues such as accountability, categorization, and legal implications, to managing learning environments and enhancing school practices through teacher preparation and early childhood programs. By providing concrete rationales and solutions for maximizing the intellectual, academic, and social achievement of African American learners, this groundbreaking text presents the tools necessary for meeting the needs of these students, including: Assessment and instructional techniques for general and special education programs, including discussions on specific learning disabilities Intervention tactics for behavioral issues Tips for utilizing family and community resources to complement the classroom Strategies for enhancing students′ communication skills and maximizing the potential of gifted and talented learners

Foreword by Bob AlgozzineAfterword by Robert Rueda

"A distinct contribution to the field. It opens the eyes and minds of educators everywhere. Dr. Obiakor provides many opportunities for self-reflection, discussion, and learning from one another through actual cases, educating and re-educating teachers to be aware and accepting of students, no matter what their cultural, racial, linguistic, or socioeconomic differences."Jill F. Bamber, Middle School Teacher, Special EducatorClayton AcademyClayton, MO

"An eye-opener for all educators, parents, and those concerned with the education of children, addressing issues of cultural diversity in today's classrooms. It provides a road map for success."Eugenia O. Caulcrick-George, Interrelated Special Education TeacherDekalb County School SystemDecatur, GA

"A well-written book that discusses an issue that has become more and more relevant to today's schools. It challenges readers to examine themselves and reflect on their personal practices and beliefs. As an administrator in a culturally diverse school district, I highly recommend this book for use with students in schools of education and in courses with teachers currently teaching."C. Frederick-Stanley, Assistant PrincipalMaryland Avenue SchoolMilwaukee, WI

"I find a lot of strengths in Dr. Obiakor's books . . . strengths that will help teachers and administrators revise and implement school curriculum for maximizing the academic potential of students in multicultural schools."Michael Eskay, TeacherJoyce Kilmer Elementary School Chicago, IL

A road map for responding to cultural diversity in today's classrooms

A "good" school is a learning community that maximizes the potential of all its students, whether they are white, black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American . . . and a school can't be a "good" school when some of its students are misidentified, misassessed, miscategorized, misplaced, and misinstructed because of cultural differences.

This insightful work offers case studies, observations, and solutions to the challenges presented by cultural diversity—a new approach that can bring excellence to all learners, all teachers, all parents, and all communities, including:

Redefinition of "good" schools Assessment and accountability Labels and categories Placements and inclusions Instructions and interventions The "dream school" and the good school

"We cannot and should not define 'good' schools only from the perspective of student performance on standardized tests. A 'good' school should take a holistic approach to education, considering each student's need academically, socially, emotionally, culturally, and globally."

. . . and this is the practical, hard-hitting book that can make it happen.

This volume is devoted to examining multicultural perspectives in special education. It tackles demographic challenges in today's classrooms, schools, and communities that general and special educators must be aware of, by presenting information on multidimensional methods for dealing with those students who look, talk, behave and learn differently. Chapter authors provide innovative ideas for educators willing to shift their identification, assessment, placement, and instructional paradigms to better serve multicultural learners with exceptionalities.

This volume is a collection of chapters that is creatively organized to address current topics, issues, and practices related to providing comprehensive special education services for learners with exceptionalities in inclusive settings. Each chapter highlights innovative techniques that work for those learners. The chapters are punctuated with teaching ideas and practical tips that are very valuable in efforts to translate research resources and rhetoric into professional practice. The information presented reflects multiple perspectives, points of view, and philosophies as well as a movement to connect parents with teachers, professionals with professionals, and schools with communities.

This work is concerned with the study of children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The book provides theoretical, educational and clinical perspectives related to this disorder. The perspectives discussed are based upon past and present theories of autism, educational practices since the 1970s and recent clinical innovations. The term ASD recognizes that this is a very heterogeneous disorder that encompasses the classic autistic disorder and milder variants such as Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Presently, there exists a growing need for information to understand the complex educational and mental health needs of individuals with ASD. The content of this book is directed at meeting this need. For example, Section I of this book provides the reader with information concerned with theoretical foundations on the disorder and includes chapters on cognitive theories and symptomology of autism and neurological implications of autism to the ageing process. Section II provides the reader with educational best practices and includes chapters on pre-service and in-service training of teachers, successful curriculum innovations, and multicultural concerns. Section III of the book provides the reader with recent effective clinical practices and includes chapters on assessment, counselling techniques for individuals with ASD, a model of how to work with parents of children with ASD, psychotropic medication management concerns, and a comprehensive interview with an adult with ASD. The book also contains a new theoretical model to ASD which is entitled "The Control Theory of Autism".

The use of the Internet to post information on teaching children with exceptionalities has led to problems for professionals who prefer such knowledge to be screened for accuracy. This volume includes useful, validated information that will help teachers to teach children with exceptionalities more effectively. The authors argue that effective education must facilitate the identification, evaluation, and placement and instructional programming for learners with exceptionalities. Based upon the school improvement and effective education literature and standards-based reform movement, schools must adopt principles of school effectiveness and offer classroom instruction that is based upon a clear assessment of the instructional needs of learners with exceptionalities and the implementation of interventions to maximize their potential and classroom performance. The book is designed to examine research from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, organizational theory, curriculum and instruction, and special education to address the critical issues related to the psychology of effective education for learners with exceptionalities. Contributors address a broad range of topics for restructuring general and special education into a unified system of education. Issues of labeling, classification, and identification; a continuum of educational and service delivery alternatives; curriculum and instruction; assessment and evaluation; distribution of funding resources; responsibilities; rationales for the grouping; and tracking of students are discussed across categories of exceptionalities. Part I of this book is organized around current perspectives and paradigms reflecting the authors' professional knowledge base in special education and the unification of general and special education into a comprehensive service delivery system. Part II specifically addresses a range of issues and topics of effective education for learners with exceptionalities. Part III addresses a range of issues and topics of effective education for learners with exceptionalities across the life span and for special student populations.

This book addresses prominent trends in learning disabilities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The book's major premise focuses on the early identification and intervention of learning disabilities which can positively impact a child's academic performance by making achievement possible. Critical information is discussed to prevent undetected learning disability which may lead even an older student to struggle with poor grades, low self-esteem, loss of interest in higher education, and reduced employment. The book presents current knowledge based information on forces outside of the school that impact the field of learning disabilities such as, advances in evaluation and testing, diagnostic imaging of the functioning brain, evolving ways of conceptualizing learning disabilities that include multicultural perspectives, challenges to conventional views of intelligence and new federal laws that place performance demands upon schools. Additionally, instructional best practice approaches and new technology is provided that should enhance the academic teaching of students. There is even a chapter on a model inner city program that discusses teaching of students with severe learning difficulties. Finally, there is a chapter on the role that school counsellors play in planning for college and careers in a climate of societal expectation that promotes a college education as an obtainable goal for students with learning disabilities. The book is valuable to general and special education teaches, school psychologists, teacher educators, practicing mental health clinicians, and school and career counsellors. A secondary audience is graduate students in special education and counselling graduate programs who need a comprehensive resource book on current trends and best practices.

The contributors to this book cover theoretical aspects of leadership, current legal topics and issues, and best practices related to special education administration. They draw heavily from the current literature research base and best practices.

This volume will examine the history of special education by categorical areas (e.g., Learning Disabilities, Mental Retardation, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders). Each categorical area chapter will include an examination of: changing definitions, early pioneers in the field, major contributors and their theoretical ideas, changing educational and treatment practices, working with families, the use of technology, assessment practices and legislative acts specific to that categorical area. The volume will also include chapters on the changing philosophy related to educating students with exceptionalities as well as a detailed history of legal and legislation content concerned with special education. The volume will provide readers with a unique perspective on why special education is what it is today.

This volume will examine the history of special education by categorical areas (e.g., Learning Disabilities, Mental Retardation, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders). Each categorical area chapter will include an examination of: changing definitions, early pioneers in the field, major contributors and their theoretical ideas, changing educational and treatment practices, working with families, the use of technology, assessment practices and legislative acts specific to that categorical area. The volume will also include chapters on the changing philosophy related to educating students with exceptionalities as well as a detailed history of legal and legislation content concerned with special education. The volume will provide readers with a unique perspective on why special education is what it is today.

"Dispels the myths regarding culturally diverse learners and provides concrete strategies that any teacher can easily implement. The book contains current research from the most reputable sources in the field and is a must-read for every teacher."—Akina Luckett-Canty, Special Education TeacherBrighton Middle School, Birmingham, AL"This text addresses the literacy needs of learners who have been ′left behind.′"—Ursula Thomas-Fair, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood EducationUniversity of West GeorgiaGive students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds the literacy skills to succeed! All students bring unique cultural and language experiences to their learning. Offering perspectives from experts in diversity and literacy, this clearly organized, comprehensive resource illustrates how teachers can improve reading achievement for students from diverse backgrounds by combining research-supported best practices with culturally responsive instruction.Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction connects students′ backgrounds, interests, and experiences to the standards-based curriculum. Teachers will find effective practices to help plan, implement, manage, and evaluate literacy instruction for students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This book provides:A range of interventions that support five critical areas of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehensionLearning materials that take advantage of multicultural literature, themes, and topicsGuidelines for helping students connect language and literacy tasks to their own cultural knowledge and experiencesMake a significant difference in all your students′ reading success with effective, culturally responsive teaching practices!

"Dispels the myths regarding culturally diverse learners and provides concrete strategies that any teacher can easily implement. The book contains current research from the most reputable sources in the field and is a must-read for every teacher."—Akina Luckett-Canty, Special Education TeacherBrighton Middle School, Birmingham, AL"This text addresses the literacy needs of learners who have been ′left behind.′"—Ursula Thomas-Fair, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood EducationUniversity of West GeorgiaGive students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds the literacy skills to succeed! All students bring unique cultural and language experiences to their learning. Offering perspectives from experts in diversity and literacy, this clearly organized, comprehensive resource illustrates how teachers can improve reading achievement for students from diverse backgrounds by combining research-supported best practices with culturally responsive instruction.Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction connects students′ backgrounds, interests, and experiences to the standards-based curriculum. Teachers will find effective practices to help plan, implement, manage, and evaluate literacy instruction for students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This book provides:A range of interventions that support five critical areas of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehensionLearning materials that take advantage of multicultural literature, themes, and topicsGuidelines for helping students connect language and literacy tasks to their own cultural knowledge and experiencesMake a significant difference in all your students′ reading success with effective, culturally responsive teaching practices!

"Obiakor poignantly bestows upon us the infinite wisdom of culturally diverse peoples that has been passed down from generation to generation. At the same time, he provides interpretations that challenge us to rethink traditional school leadership and teaching styles in ways that lead to transformed educational practices for all learners—adults and children alike—in an age of accountability and reform."—Stanley C. Trent, Associate Professor of Special EducationUniversity of Virginia

Traditional wisdom to inspire and enrich your teaching and leadership!

This thought-provoking book presents wise sayings from different continents, countries, tribes, and religions—proverbs that have had a historical impact on the building of communities and that continue to influence present-day events.

Believing that the complexity of the world's problems calls for new ways of thinking, discussing, sharing, teaching, and learning, the author focuses on the implications that these proverbs have for interpersonal communication and cooperation in today's society. Ideal for teachers and administrators, this illuminating text offers thoughtful reflection about:

Self-responsibilityCollaboration and consultationSpiritualityGeneral life lessons

This book seeks to examine the plight of vulnerable students. Scholars and practitioners will benefit from this in-depth and unique resource for working with diverse populations of students.The term "vulnerable" is the current construct used to address students who are at-risk of dropping out of school or of being mislabeled because of myriad social-economic, structural, educational, cultural, racial, linguistic, and societal burdens that impinge upon their learning and survival in school environments. These populations can include students in urban areas, students with "special" needs, and/or at-risk students who are disenfranchised, disadvantaged, and disillusioned.A few of the topics discussed include students with special needs, the scholar identity of black males, parent perspectives, teacher preparation, and using technology in the classroom.A diverse group of contributors offer their expertise in this distinctive text. Authors include scholars and practitioners from fields such as educational leadership, special education, teacher education, educational technology, and educational psychology.Key Features: explores the diversity of students in today's classrooms: culturally, linguistically, and racially different students; students in urban areas; students with "special" needs; and/or at-risk students who are disenfranchised, disadvantaged, and disillusioned; details multiple strategies for teacher preparation and mentoring; discusses methods for effective parent-teacher collaboration.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has received considerable educational, research, medical and media attention the past ten years. Yet the condition was first described more than a hundred years ago. Due to the disorder being confused with childhood schizophrenia, there was a lack of definitive attention by special educators, medical professionals and mental health clinicians to advance parameters related to: causes; prevalence; identification and diagnosis; education and treatment. Positively, this confusion changed starting in the 1980s with the clarification of the differences between these disorders with the 1980 publication of the' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM-III). Soon after, the 1990 federal legislation 'Individuals with Disabilities Education Act' recognized the disorder as a disability category eligible for special education services. Both of these events lead to an explosion of information related to: finding causes; accurate identification and diagnosis; best educational practices; and social, emotional, and behavioral treatments.Even with this explosion in the body of knowledge concerned with this disorder, much more needs to be learned and discovered. The successful use of this body of knowledge requires that accurate information be provided to educators, parents, clinicians, medical professionals, and mental health professionals to counter misinformation that exists among the general public, educators and clinical professionals. This is the primary purpose of 'Autism Spectrum Disorders: Inclusive Community for the 21st Century'. The chapters are written by researchers, clinicians, business professionals, and university professors who have an extensive knowledge of ASD. The contents of the book are an excellent reference for special education teachers, school psychologists, practicing mental health clinicians, and parents and family members of children and adults with ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has received considerable educational, research, medical and media attention the past ten years. Yet the condition was first described more than a hundred years ago. Due to the disorder being confused with childhood schizophrenia, there was a lack of definitive attention by special educators, medical professionals and mental health clinicians to advance parameters related to: causes; prevalence; identification and diagnosis; education and treatment. Positively, this confusion changed starting in the 1980s with the clarification of the differences between these disorders with the 1980 publication of the' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM-III). Soon after, the 1990 federal legislation 'Individuals with Disabilities Education Act' recognized the disorder as a disability category eligible for special education services. Both of these events lead to an explosion of information related to: finding causes; accurate identification and diagnosis; best educational practices; and social, emotional, and behavioral treatments.Even with this explosion in the body of knowledge concerned with this disorder, much more needs to be learned and discovered. The successful use of this body of knowledge requires that accurate information be provided to educators, parents, clinicians, medical professionals, and mental health professionals to counter misinformation that exists among the general public, educators and clinical professionals. This is the primary purpose of 'Autism Spectrum Disorders: Inclusive Community for the 21st Century'. The chapters are written by researchers, clinicians, business professionals, and university professors who have an extensive knowledge of ASD. The contents of the book are an excellent reference for special education teachers, school psychologists, practicing mental health clinicians, and parents and family members of children and adults with ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has received considerable educational, research, medical and media attention the past ten years. Yet the condition was first described more than a hundred years ago. Due to the disorder being confused with childhood schizophrenia, there was a lack of definitive attention by special educators, medical professionals and mental health clinicians to advance parameters related to: causes; prevalence; identification and diagnosis; education and treatment. Positively, this confusion changed starting in the 1980s with the clarification of the differences between these disorders with the 1980 publication of the' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM-III). Soon after, the 1990 federal legislation 'Individuals with Disabilities Education Act' recognized the disorder as a disability category eligible for special education services. Both of these events lead to an explosion of information related to: finding causes; accurate identification and diagnosis; best educational practices; and social, emotional, and behavioral treatments.Even with this explosion in the body of knowledge concerned with this disorder, much more needs to be learned and discovered. The successful use of this body of knowledge requires that accurate information be provided to educators, parents, clinicians, medical professionals, and mental health professionals to counter misinformation that exists among the general public, educators and clinical professionals. This is the primary purpose of 'Autism Spectrum Disorders: Inclusive Community for the 21st Century'. The chapters are written by researchers, clinicians, business professionals, and university professors who have an extensive knowledge of ASD. The contents of the book are an excellent reference for special education teachers, school psychologists, practicing mental health clinicians, and parents and family members of children and adults with ASD.

Multicultural Education for Learners with Special Needs in the Twenty-First Century provides general and special educators innovative information that address the road blocks to effective practice such that diverse learners will be appropriately; identified, assessed, categorized, placed and instructed. The book provides those who instruct diverse learners comprehensive, creative and best practice chapters by scholars in the area of multicultural education. The book is an important addition to the education of multicultural learners with special needs as it provides much needed direction for the effective instructional practices for today’s diverse students. The book can be used as current best practices for special and general educators as well as school administrators.

Multicultural Education for Learners with Special Needs in the Twenty-First Century provides general and special educators innovative information that address the road blocks to effective practice such that diverse learners will be appropriately; identified, assessed, categorized, placed and instructed. The book provides those who instruct diverse learners comprehensive, creative and best practice chapters by scholars in the area of multicultural education. The book is an important addition to the education of multicultural learners with special needs as it provides much needed direction for the effective instructional practices for today’s diverse students. The book can be used as current best practices for special and general educators as well as school administrators.

Multicultural Education for Learners with Special Needs in the Twenty-First Century provides general and special educators innovative information that address the road blocks to effective practice such that diverse learners will be appropriately; identified, assessed, categorized, placed and instructed. The book provides those who instruct diverse learners comprehensive, creative and best practice chapters by scholars in the area of multicultural education. The book is an important addition to the education of multicultural learners with special needs as it provides much needed direction for the effective instructional practices for today's diverse students. The book can be used as current best practices for special and general educators as well as school administrators.

This book provides a practical focus and framework for establishing insightful leadership that will enhance the learning of students with exceptionalities in the 21st century by discussing critical leadership dimensions and topics by leading academics. Topics discussed include the following: shifting leadership paradigms for all students in general and special education, district leadership strategies for implementing individualized academic and behavioral student interventions, preparing leaders to work with students with diverse learning needs, critical leadership roles for regular classroom teachers in educating learners with special needs, innovative leadership to increase school completion and graduation of general and special education learners, why psychologists need to be a part of the school leadership team, the importance of culturally responsive leadership in general and special education, the role of school leaders in helping learners with physical and health impairments, school leadership for all students in rural schools, the use of technology by leaders to improve special education services, an international example model of leadership in general and special education, and future perspectives of leadership in special education.Leadership Matters in the Education of Students with Special Needs in the 21st Century is a critically needed addition to the successful education of students with exceptionalities as it provides much needed and innovative leadership perspectives for effective instructional practices for today's students with special needs. The book can be a model for best practices for school district leadership teams challenged by the multifaceted needs of students with exceptionalities.

This book provides a practical focus and framework for establishing insightful leadership that will enhance the learning of students with exceptionalities in the 21st century by discussing critical leadership dimensions and topics by leading academics. Topics discussed include the following: shifting leadership paradigms for all students in general and special education, district leadership strategies for implementing individualized academic and behavioral student interventions, preparing leaders to work with students with diverse learning needs, critical leadership roles for regular classroom teachers in educating learners with special needs, innovative leadership to increase school completion and graduation of general and special education learners, why psychologists need to be a part of the school leadership team, the importance of culturally responsive leadership in general and special education, the role of school leaders in helping learners with physical and health impairments, school leadership for all students in rural schools, the use of technology by leaders to improve special education services, an international example model of leadership in general and special education, and future perspectives of leadership in special education.Leadership Matters in the Education of Students with Special Needs in the 21st Century is a critically needed addition to the successful education of students with exceptionalities as it provides much needed and innovative leadership perspectives for effective instructional practices for today's students with special needs. The book can be a model for best practices for school district leadership teams challenged by the multifaceted needs of students with exceptionalities.

This book provides a practical focus and framework for establishing insightful leadership that will enhance the learning of students with exceptionalities in the 21st century by discussing critical leadership dimensions and topics by leading academics. Topics discussed include the following: shifting leadership paradigms for all students in general and special education, district leadership strategies for implementing individualized academic and behavioral student interventions, preparing leaders to work with students with diverse learning needs, critical leadership roles for regular classroom teachers in educating learners with special needs, innovative leadership to increase school completion and graduation of general and special education learners, why psychologists need to be a part of the school leadership team, the importance of culturally responsive leadership in general and special education, the role of school leaders in helping learners with physical and health impairments, school leadership for all students in rural schools, the use of technology by leaders to improve special education services, an international example model of leadership in general and special education, and future perspectives of leadership in special education.Leadership Matters in the Education of Students with Special Needs in the 21st Century is a critically needed addition to the successful education of students with exceptionalities as it provides much needed and innovative leadership perspectives for effective instructional practices for today's students with special needs. The book can be a model for best practices for school district leadership teams challenged by the multifaceted needs of students with exceptionalities.

Powerful Multicultural Essays for innovative Educators and Leaders is written for this day, age, and time. We need to tear down our walls of hatred to optimize “hearty” conversations. In addition, we need to challenge ourselves and our institutions to do the right things. We must revisit our inner spiritual connectivity--- there are biblical allusions that could buttress our understanding about multiculturalism. For instance, human valuing is the engine behind the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Sower. Should our goal not be to sow good seeds that bloom to be beautiful flowers and even grow to be strong trees? Should our actions be divorced from supporting those who are different from us? Reading this book will help us to answer these questions. As often as possible, we must be action-oriented and practical as we arrive at our central hub and enhance our potential or existential collaboration, consultation, and cooperation at all levels of our human interactions.This is a book for students of life, which means all of us! We are all learners whether we are students, teachers, community leaders, university professors and leaders, researchers, scholars, politicians, to mention a few. We all need to read this book to optimize conversations, create open and healthy environments, and advance our nations and world. The days for hiding from discourses are over! We can no longer sweep our problems and actions under the rug! And, we cannot divorce ourselves from our own realities. Hopefully, this book will yield remarkable fruitful dividends with regard to human valuing.

Powerful Multicultural Essays for innovative Educators and Leaders is written for this day, age, and time. We need to tear down our walls of hatred to optimize “hearty” conversations. In addition, we need to challenge ourselves and our institutions to do the right things. We must revisit our inner spiritual connectivity--- there are biblical allusions that could buttress our understanding about multiculturalism. For instance, human valuing is the engine behind the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Sower. Should our goal not be to sow good seeds that bloom to be beautiful flowers and even grow to be strong trees? Should our actions be divorced from supporting those who are different from us? Reading this book will help us to answer these questions. As often as possible, we must be action-oriented and practical as we arrive at our central hub and enhance our potential or existential collaboration, consultation, and cooperation at all levels of our human interactions.This is a book for students of life, which means all of us! We are all learners whether we are students, teachers, community leaders, university professors and leaders, researchers, scholars, politicians, to mention a few. We all need to read this book to optimize conversations, create open and healthy environments, and advance our nations and world. The days for hiding from discourses are over! We can no longer sweep our problems and actions under the rug! And, we cannot divorce ourselves from our own realities. Hopefully, this book will yield remarkable fruitful dividends with regard to human valuing.

Powerful Multicultural Essays for innovative Educators and Leaders is written for this day, age, and time. We need to tear down our walls of hatred to optimize "e;hearty"e; conversations. In addition, we need to challenge ourselves and our institutions to do the right things. We must revisit our inner spiritual connectivity--- there are biblical allusions that could buttress our understanding about multiculturalism. For instance, human valuing is the engine behind the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Sower. Should our goal not be to sow good seeds that bloom to be beautiful flowers and even grow to be strong trees? Should our actions be divorced from supporting those who are different from us? Reading this book will help us to answer these questions. As often as possible, we must be action-oriented and practical as we arrive at our central hub and enhance our potential or existential collaboration, consultation, and cooperation at all levels of our human interactions.This is a book for students of life, which means all of us! We are all learners whether we are students, teachers, community leaders, university professors and leaders, researchers, scholars, politicians, to mention a few. We all need to read this book to optimize conversations, create open and healthy environments, and advance our nations and world. The days for hiding from discourses are over! We can no longer sweep our problems and actions under the rug! And, we cannot divorce ourselves from our own realities. Hopefully, this book will yield remarkable fruitful dividends with regard to human valuing.

Voices of Asian Americans in Higher Education: Unheard Voices is a unique and historical book. Asian Americans are often portrayed as “model minority,” yet their personal and educational experiences are often unheard. In this book, 10 Asian American educators and scholars present realistic pictures of America’s higher education using personal narratives. The contributors in this book come from different regions and teach in different colleges and universities; and coincidentally, they all endure the “outsider” category formerly as students and now as professors and leaders. This “outsider” status can be emotionally overwhelming and psychologically unnerving. This status hampers opportunities for Asian Americans to grow and maximize their fullest potential. Though they develop different strategies to address their “outsider” label, it does not make it comfortable. But, time and time again, they have proven that they can succeed! In this technological age, we must value unending truths as we educate ourselves and others. We hope that this book will be an educational and informational resource for students, administrators, and faculty in higher education and also educational policy makers and stakeholders.