Closing*The*Gap

Closing the Gap Proposal: Keena Proctor It is very important for students to see themselves in literature. Teaching poetry using diverse poems is an excellent method of allowing students to see glimpses of themselves in literature. This is particularly critical for African American students whose primary role is history stems from slavery. In this presentation I would demonstrate methods of teaching poetry using poetry doors and poetry windows, cinquains, I’m from poems and raps.

Closing the Gap Proposal: Libby Kyles Communicating Teacher Expectations and Eliminating Teacher Bias – The old adage that you get what you expect holds true when thinking about students, particularly minority students and their achievement in public schools. As a ten year veteran of the teaching profession I would like to offer ways to communicate high expectations to all students through better communication between classroom and home; creating an environment where students see each themselves as a member of a caring community; and affording students the opportunity to test without the added burden of teacher bias.