Focusing on real teaching rather than 'saving the poor,' this work for teachers, counselors, and administrators offers an alternative to the deficit-based approach to teaching students from low-income or impoverished communities, emphasizing that low-income students can learn at high levels. The teaching approach described is based on relational teaching, acknowledging life choices, and personal reflection for teachers and students. Readers are encouraged to examine their own attitudes through numerous reflection exercises. Sample dialogues, vignettes, and cases highlight one teacher's ongoing journey. The book begins with a discussion of the often misguided goals of the middle class school in communities of poverty, then describes cultural proficiency tools that build on students' assets. Application chapters present a culturally proficient pedagogy for teachers, a leadership model for school leaders, and suggestions for policymakers. A section of resources provides a cultural proficiency conceptual framework and a state teachers' association retreat script. Lindsey is professor emeritus at California State University-LA. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)