Language can help lift or limit students. Based on brain research and authentic classroom experience, this book will help you get back to the optimism of teaching by reconnecting with the possibility of each student. From classroom practice to systemwide policies, readers will find strategies for shifting the way we approach teaching to cultivate the gifts each student has to offer.

Teachers and leaders will:

Understand how limiting language stifles student growth and academic success

Utilize figures and other resources to better recognize limiting language and replace it with positive language

Reflect on the culture of your own school and improve collaborative work

Access and analyze data that will equip you to better handle obstacles in developing your professional learning community

Improve communication among all classrooms within your school or district

Contents:
Foreword by Anthony Muhammad
Introduction
Part 1: What We Say About Students
Chapter 1: Talking About Underserved Students
Chapter 2: Talking About Expectations for Students
Chapter 3: Talking About Student Motivation
Chapter 4: Talking About Student Data
Part 2: What We Say About Colleagues
Chapter 5: Talking About Taking Responsibility
Chapter 6: Talking About Research and Best Practices
Chapter 7: Talking About Teacher Individuality
Chapter 8: Talking About Collaboration
Chapter 9: Talking About Trust
Epilogue