CLOSING THE GAP IN ACHIEVEMENT

Urban Learner Framework
Dr. Belinda Williams

From the most recent research on CLOSING THE GAP IN ACHIEVEMENT by Dr. Belinda Williams, the Urban Learner Framework was developed. Dr. Williams has identified the components that need to be addressed to close the gap in achievement for diverse learners—THE URBAN LEARNER FRAMEWORK. The research of Dr. Ruby Payne on children of poverty is included.

The Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching has EMBEDDED the components of the Urban Learner Framework into each of the Learning Bridges classes on instructional in the Online Professional Development System. Teachers not only learn the strategies that make the most difference in learning, but also how to modify them for diverse learners (e.g., students of poverty, diverse cultures, and English Language Learners).

The Urban Learner Framework addresses 4 Knowledge Base Themes:

1. Cultural, Economic & Language Diversity
2. Resilience
3. Enhancing Ability Development Through Motivation and Effort
4. Unrecognized Abilities and Undeveloped Potential

The Urban Learner Framework addresses 4 Decision-making functions that impact on urban learners:

1. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
2. Staff Development
3. Home, School and Community Environment
4. Management: Leadership Policies, Politics and Procedures

Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching – Hamline University

Today's urban classrooms are alive with students of many cultures, languages, and economic situations. The urban teaching environment is challenging, with many issues significantly impacting the lives and learning styles of elementary and secondary students. Those who wish to teach in urban classrooms can learn to recognize, understand, and draw upon the values, beliefs, potential, and resiliency that result from such diversity and adversity. Hamline University’s Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching assists individuals who are preparing to be teachers, teachers during their first three years of practice, and veteran teachers in working with the multicultural populations and complex social situations of urban classrooms. The Center works to: Provide frank information about issues facing urban learners such as violence, economics, and substance abuse; Emphasize the practical application of successful classroom strategies; Engage and involve parents and the community; Promote open, judgment-free dialogue in a safe environment; Deepen society's appreciating for the richness that is born from diversity; and Integrate strategies for connecting with urban learners' strengths and meeting the graduation standards.