Description:This practical, empowering book addresses the challenges facing educators, school administrators, and families in low socioeconomic status urban settings and presents field-tested strategies for promoting reading, writing, and oral language success. Featuring thorough research reviews, instructional models, resources, and portraits of exemplary urban classrooms, the book provides a wealth of ideas that can readily be put into practice.Coverage includes:* What highly effective literacy instruction looks like in today's urban classroom* Understanding-and counteracting-the factors that put poor children at risk* When diversity is the norm: making instruction welcoming to all* Lesson plans and lists of children's literature that meet urban students' specific needs* Keys to building strong family and community partnerships