Pressing Forward

Pressing Forward: Increasing and Expanding Rigor and Relevance in America’s High Schools is organized to place secondary education, specifically the goals of preparing young adults to be college and career ready, in contemporary perspective, emphasizing the changing global economy and trends in policy and practice. High school students must be equipped with tools they need during and beyond high school for mapping their futures in a global and flat world that demands workers prepared to take up 21st century careers. Following Thomas Freidman and other writers on the topic, this book takes as its core premise that the world has been irrevocably altered by technology and that technology takes a prominent role in shaping post-secondary education and career opportunities. The challenges facing education and educators in a flattened world can best be addressed by creating opportunities for students who are ready for a world in which they are expected to pursue learning throughout their lifetimes, understand and use technology, engage in active civic lives, function well in ethnically diverse workplace settings, and be willing to take risks. Most of all, however, these individuals must be very well prepared during high school by taking advanced level mathematics, science and other challenging coursework, while at the same time actively engaging in collaborative, creative endeavors that prepare them to continuously reinvent themselves to stay ahead of automation and outsourcing. The book will be a unique and useful contribution to the education reform and policy literature as it examines secondary education at an historical moment—the convergence of significant education spending and focus on high school reform. Developed from diverse authors’ research programs on secondary education, the chapters in this volume highlight both changing and steadfast features of high schools, questioning if attempts to foster change—whether tinkering around the edges or inventing a new way—adequatly adress shortcomings in equity and excellence found in American high schools.

"Carmichael Crutchfield and Denise Janssen have written a critical analysis of the significance of topics like self-identity, worship, pedagogy, music, and listening among African American youth, and they provide a dynamic guide for applying practical tools to foster a faith development that goes beyond memorizing Scripture for rewards. The authors utilize responses from adolescent focus groups to advocate for healthy internal and external faith formation. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand and assist in maturing the faith of African American youth"--

Hope is like a light shining in the distance where once laid darkness. In faith, though doubting and crying out to a God of love, hope springs up and grows increasingly with trust until the light bursts through the small opening in the trees. Now when you see clearly, life takes on new meaning. In Railroad Crossings to Restoration: Looking Back and Pressing Forward, Larene speaks from the heart in truth and love, remembering the journey she had traveled in the darkest moments of her life. This journey would not be like the last. It was not one where she knew the landmarks and where God would show her the paths to take to get there, filling in the blank spaces between. No. This journey was different. With no landmarks on the map and no knowledge of where she was going, she would need to trust God as He took her uncertain hand and made this new journey a mystery, an adventure, a venture into a newfound land of faith.

What does it mean to be "truly converted" to Jesus Christ? To "endure to the end"? Mortal life is full of trials and temptations that can challenge our faith and impede our progress to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. It's easy to become discouraged, frustrated, or unmotivated when faced with what can feel like an impossible journey. But it's important to remember that the Lord does not demand or expect perfection in this life. All He asks is that we press forward in His name and find the strength to take the next step. Drawing from the teachings of the Savior, revelation from modern prophets, and personal anecdotes, authors Christopher R. Greenwood and Mark D. Mason guide you through gospel resources to strengthen your resolve and empower your understanding of Christ's Atonement. In Press Forward in Christ, you will • find the strength to continue the struggle toward God even when faced with adversity. • overcome mortal failings and continue forward with your faith intact. • become truly converted in the Lord and willingly accept His guidance. The way may be strait and narrow, but through trust in our Savior's glory and the determination to press forward, we can endure life's challenges faithfully and find lasting, eternal joy.

“Moving Forward arrives at a moment when inspiration, insight, and optimism are in short supply. Karine Jean-Pierre delivers all three in abundance.” —Stacey Abrams, author of Lead from the Outside “Karine Jean-Pierre illuminates her path to insider status so others can follow in her footsteps.”—Essence “Jean-Pierre inspires us to get involved in politics—every single one of us, no matter where we are from or who we are.”—The Atlantic Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren’t participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance. Karine Jean-Pierre’s story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today’s political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.

Innovation districts and anchor institutions—like hospitals, universities, and technology hubs—are celebrated for their ability to drive economic growth and employment opportunities. But the benefits often fail to reach the very neighborhoods they are built in. As CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Matt Enstice took a different approach. Under Matt’s leadership, BNMC has supported entrepreneurship training programs and mentorship for community members, creation of a community garden, bringing together diverse groups to explore transportation solutions, and more. Fostering participation and collaboration among neighborhood leaders, foundations, and other organizations ensures that the interests of Buffalo residents are represented. Together, these groups are creating a new model for re-energizing Buffalo—a model that has applications across the United States and around the world. City Forward explains how BNMC works to promote a shared goal of equity among companies and institutions with often opposing motivations and intentions. When money or time is scarce, how can equitable community building remain a common priority? When interests conflict, and an institution’s expansion depends upon parking or development that would infringe upon public space, how can the decision-making process maintain trust and collaboration? Offering a candid look at BNMC’s setbacks and successes, along with efforts from other institutions nationwide, Enstice shares twelve strategies that innovation districts can harness to weave equity into their core work. From actively creating opportunities to listen to the community, to navigating compromise, to recruiting new partners, the book reveals unique opportunities available to create decisive, large-scale change. Critically, Enstice also offers insight about how innovation districts can speak about equity in an inclusive manner and keep underrepresented and historically excluded voices at the decision-making table. Accessible, engaging, and packed with fresh ideas applicable to any city, this book is an invaluable resource. Institutional leadership, business owners, and professionals hoping to make equitable change within their companies and organizations will find experienced direction here. City Forward is a refreshing look at the brighter, more equitable futures that we can create through thoughtful and strategic collaboration—moving forward, together.

There is a clear connection between the health of individuals and the legal regime under which they live, particularly Aboriginal peoples. From the early ban on traditional practices to the constitutional division of powers (including who is responsible for off-reserve Indians under the Constitution), this is an historical examination of Canadian legal regimes and the impact they have had on the health of Aboriginal peoples. With an emphasis on the social determinants of health, Boyer outlines how commitments made regarding Aboriginal rights through treaties and Supreme Court of Canada rulings can be used to advance the health of Aboriginal peoples.