Similar to the previous three volumes, Breaking the Mold of School Instruction and Organization: Innovative and Successful Practices for the 21st Century (Honigsfeld & Cohan, 2010), Breaking the Mold of Preservice and Inservice Teacher Education: Innovative and Successful Practices for the 21st Century (Cohan & Honigsfeld, 2011), and, Breaking the Mold of Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Innovative and Successful Practices for the 21st Century (Honigsfeld & Cohan, 2012), the purpose of this book is to offer a carefully selected collection of documented best practices for empowering students.

The contributing authors represent diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, yet their chapters recognize similarities among students so that the innovations can be transferred to other contexts. Each chapter represents practical, research-based success stories as well as authentic accomplishments which motivate and engage all students.

The 20 chapters in this volume are organized into four sections: (a) making personal connections and engaging students in reflection; (b) engagement with literacy and language; (c) music, movement, arts, drama and other creative engagements; and (d) school culture, community, and student success. The compelling chapters shared in this volume—focused on innovation and transformation—will help thrust education and teacher action (rather than reaction) in a positive trajectory of change.