Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-170) and index.

Understanding the nature of poverty -- How poverty affects behavior and academic performance -- Embracing the mind-set of change -- Schoolwide success factors -- Classroom-level success factors -- Instructional light and magic.

Covers why and how the effects of poverty have to be addressed in classroom teaching and school and district policy. Topics include what poverty does to children's brains and why students raised in poverty are especially subject to stressors that undermine school behavior and performance. "Although every educator knows firsthand about the effects that poverty can have on students, here at last is a book that makes it crystal clear why and how the effects of poverty have to be addressed in classroom teaching and school and district policy. Veteran educator and brain expert Eric Jensen helps you understand what poverty does to children's brains and why students raised in poverty are especially subject to stressors that undermine school behavior and performance. Then learn how the effects of poverty can be reversed when educators employ the practices of turn-around schools and schools that have a history of high performance among students raised in poverty. Drawing from research, experience, and real school success stories, Jensen explains what educators everywhere can do to improve the achievement of economically disadvantaged students." -- Publisher's website