New Vision of the Urban Learner: Four Staff Development Modules

Research for Better Schools

This document is an implementation step toward "A New Vision of the Urban Learner: From Theory to Practice." It includes an overview of the Urban Learner Framework with a focus on its two major features:

1. four research-based themes that serve as the foundation for the New Vision of the Urban Learner, and
2. ramifications of the research-based themes for decisionmaking within the functional areas of school organization.

Following the overview are four staff development modules that represent each of the themes: cultural diversity and learning, unrecognized ability and underdeveloped potential, enhancing ability development through motivation and effort, and resilience. Each module includes a training guide and a set of handouts that support the theme's content.

While developed especially for urban educators in the Mid-Atlantic region, the document has relevance for all educators who are interested in helping children grow and develop successfully.