Against the Odds: How "At-Risk" Students Exceed Expectations

Bempechat's well-written book takes a fresh look at vital questionsabout the academic achievement of minority children. Herexamination of academically successful children within severaldifferent ?at-risk' ethnic groups yields unconventional andoriginal insights about how children are socialized for schooling.A valuable contribution to the literature on achievement andmotivation in multiethnic nations!
?Herbert P. Ginsburg, Jacob H. Schiff Foundation professor ofpsychology and education, Teachers College, ColumbiaUniversity

From an original position that isolates the factors which predictacademic performance, Harvard professor Janine Bempechat shattersthe myths about success and failure among poor and minoritystudents. With sound analysis and practical advice, Bempechat givesparents, educators?and anyone interested in the well-being ofchildren?hope and inspiration as they strive for academicexcellence in children.

Focusing on the factors that contribute to academic success?ratherthan analyzing the conditions that lead to failure andunderachievement?Bempechat's book is a unique contribution to theunderstanding of societal and cultural effects on learning. Againstthe Odds reveals that high-achieving children, no matter what theirethnic or cultural background, have similar perceptions about theirparents' educational beliefs and practices. And, surprisingly,Bempechat's research counters the commonly held view that academicsuccess is tied primarily to an individual's belief ineffort.

Written for teachers, psychologists, counselors, mentors?anyoneinterested in the welfare of children?Against the Odds is a guideto help create policy and curricula that will foster excellence andenable children?rich, middle-class, poor, minority, nonminority?toachieve their full potential.

JANINE BEMPECHAT is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychology at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.