ýSeveringý the Achievement Gap in the Education of Students

About the Book

Severing the Achievement Gap in the Education of Students contains powerful learning activities and successful research-based strategies for the classroom, the school, and the district level.

This work is one of several learning outcomes of the SAGES Summer Academy 2006. The SAGES Initiative represents everyone and every effort that justly "severs" an achievement gap in student education. The heart of the Academy was empowerment. The SAGES Summer Academy provided students with life-changing experiences through the following five components: university exposure, academic goal setting, student empowerment, mentorship and career exploration, and academic enrichment.

The attendees learned about life's journey with the various needs, supporters, hindrances, and greatness; saw their society and themselves. In an attempt to let their light shine in society, they shared perspectives and their hearts, heads, and hands collaborating to achieve our goals.

All proceeds from this book will go to the Rockwood School District VICC Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 that assists students with college scholarships, supplies, and supplemental services as they work to fulfill their path and promise.

About the Author

Art J. McCoy, II, Ph.D., is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Rockwood Lafayette High School alumnus, youngest certified teacher in Rockwood and presumably the state of Missouri, and the youngest, first, and only Black male Rockwood central office administrator. He is a Distinguished Alumnus of both Harris Stowe State University (2003), where he received his Bachelor degree at age 19; and University of Missouri-St. Louis (2008), where he received his Masters in Education and Doctorate of Philosophy of Education at 22 and 25, respectively, while working full time as a school administrator. He has served as a educator, visiting professor and guest lecturer, consultant, and keynote speaker across the United States. His scholarly and humanitarian projects include but are not limited to SAGES, Critical Enquiry, educational reform and urban transformation, and accountability. His latest written works include "Education, Democracy, Jean Francois Lyotard's Language Games" (2002) for UM-St. Louis, "Battling Corruption in America's Public Schools" (2004) for the Teachers College, Columbia University, and "'Severing' the Achievement Gap in the Education of Students: Bridging Gaps of the Heart, Head, and Hand" (2006) for Rockwood School District. Dr. McCoy is the Founder and Director of the SAGES Foundation 501(c)3 and SAGES, which aims to “Sever” Achievement Gaps in the Education of Students and “Sever” Attainment Gaps Existing within Society through the Seven SAGES Initiatives below. SEVEN SAGES INITIATIVES SAGES Awards for adults SAGES Programs for students SAGES Network of stakeholders SAGES Scholarships for students (of all ages) SAGES Partnerships with businesses and organizations SAGES Professional development sessions and leadership summits SAGES Publications (i.e. articles, poetry, short essays, books, and newsletters)