Includes bibliographical references and index.

A dream deferred
Does culture matter?
Seeing color, seeing culture
We are family
The tree of knowledge
Culturally relevant teaching
Making dreams into reality
Methodology
Context

"The Dreamkeepers, Gloria Ladson-Billings explored the positive signs for the future of education for African American students. Who are the successful teachers? What do they do? And how can we learn from them? Her portraits of eight exemplary teachers who differ in personal style and methods but share an approach to teaching that affirms and strengthens cultural identity are inspiring and full of hope. Through these outstanding teachers, she shows that culturally relevant teaching is not a matter of race, gender, or teaching style. What matters most is a teacher's efforts to work with the unique strengths a child brings to the classroom. Written in three voices--that of an African American scholar and researcher, an African American teacher, and an African American parent and active community member, this book is a mixture of scholarship and storytelling. Ladson-Billing's portraits, interwoven with personal reflections, challenge readers to envision intellectually rigorous and culturally relevant classrooms that have the power to improve the lives of not just African American students, but all children"-- Provided by publisher.