Closing the Attitude Gap: How to Fire Up Your Students to Strive for Success

"A person who knowsAnd knows that they knowIs wise- follow them" ~ from an ancient African ProverbMy husband and I have read Principal Kafele's new book multiple times since we first received it upon it's release. We feel that this book is groundbreaking, and promotes a much needed analysis and wake up call to the need for transforming the minds of teachers in order for us to address and overcome the attitude gap. Not only do we need to change the mindsets of our students in an effort to close the attitude gap, we also need to address the attitude gap for the teachers. We read many books, and in our experience, no book has really presented information in such a transparent way. There are questions that the educator must ask themselves and reflect upon honestly so that they can be prepared for the type of work and roles they will be stepping into. The information presented expands beyond the demographic of children of African decent. It pertains to any student, parent, or teacher in any community from all over the world. The book reminds us as educators that while we are getting to know our kids, we are getting to know ourselves. It's one of those books that simply cannot be read once...it needs to be read over and over! Principal Kafele doesn't just give you the answer or magic formula, he gives insight as to how to get to the magic formula and make it work for you and your students. Ultimately, he challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and before teaching a curriculum, get to KNOW and UNDERSTAND our children so that we can reach them effectively and nurture their growth and love of becoming life long learners! We are forced to raise the bar and be accountable and responsible for the incredible work we do- being trusted to educate brilliant minds so they can be change agents! Thank you Principal Kafele!!!

I was so happy when my book CLOSING THE ATTITDE GAP, how to fire up your students to strive for success finally arrived. Already being familiar with Baruti K. Kafele and the positive results he seems to always usher in, I was anxious to read this book.My children's success is very important to me. As a parent of a school aged child, I want and need any educator who has access to my child, to read and even meditate on this book. As one whose passion is youth development, this book calls me to full attention and accountability. I am very serious about young people reaching their full potential. As serious as I already am, I have to say this book has spoken to my spirit. It not only will assist educators in how to get their students fired up and sore towards academic excellence, it will certainly get them fired up as well. I feel like somebody has pressed my turbo button! For the teachers who have lost hope or may be tired, this book will reignite that original passion that had them answer their calling in the first place. I say answering their calling because I see teaching and working with youth as very sacred. Attitude is everything. Asante sana Baruti Kafele!

Great book to refresh your thoughts on why you are teaching in the first place. Change your attitude to close the gap

For the educator looking to refocus their efforts and/or better understand their students. Plenty of imperatives and full of reflection questions. Will challenge my staff with these questions this year.

This book is a must have! The material is insightful. It makes you be a reflected education and take a hard and thoughtful look at our classroom and the climate and culture that you create. Cannot wait to share what I have learned with my colleagues.

I have read many books, and this is the best one ever! I read this book in less than a day. I could not put it down!!

This is the first book that I read by this author. I will read all his books and own them. As a teacher, I have learned so much by reading this book. This book should be given to every teacher in the world for them to read. Take the time and read this research based professional book.

I really enjoyed the passion the author had, and his knowledge about improving the academic success of all students! I definitely recommend this book!