Book Reviews: Pivotal Moments: How Educators Can Put All Students on the Path to College: Coaching and Mentoring: Developing Teachers and Leaders: Social Class on Campus: Theories and Manifestations

Abstract

The struggle of low-income, minority, and first-generation students throughout their academic careers is an issue of significant concern to scholars and educators in many fields of study. Research indicates an increasing gap in graduation ratesf or these students in comparison to their more affluent or White peers. Low high school graduation rates, poor access and participation in postsecondary education, and high collegiate attrition rates continue to plague students from these populations. Colleges and universities have employed many strategies to address retention and graduation for historically marginalized students. Though well intentioned, many of these efforts lack sufficient financial resources, structure, or appropriate staffing. While there is acknowledgment of this serious problem in education, there are numerous, disparate, and at times inconsistent, approaches to addressing the issues facing low-income, minority, and firstgeneration students.In Roberta Espinoza's book, Pivotal Moments: How Educators Can Put All Students on the Path to College, she addresses the difficulties that low-income, minority, or first-generation students face in education-difficulties compounded by the intersection of these identities. Introducing her framework of "Educational Pivotal Moments," she details their impact on the ability of students to access, persist, and successfully graduate from high school and college. According to the author, the overarching purpose of this book is to remind educators that "they are life changers and to give them the tools to be more effective in this role" (p. 18).College student access and retention is a major issue for all students hoping to secure a postsecondary education. Linda Darling-Hammond has addressed issues of inequity in education and the ways our educational system serves to perpetuate inequality and the status quo. In her book, The Flat World and Education: How America's Commitment to Equity Will Determine our Future,