Gleam - by Lacey Robinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Transform classrooms and eliminate persistent student outcome gaps with research-backed instructional practices

Despite decades of reform, student achievement remains stubbornly connected to a student's background and zip code. GLEAM(R) introduces a transformative framework for addressing this crisis. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, a principal, and CEO of UnboundEd and CORE Learning, Lacey Robinson presents the GLEAM(R) hypothesis: only when teachers' mindset and planning are purposefully put into the service of grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction, do we see teacher actions change and students thrive.

The book breaks down each GLEAM(R) component, demonstrating the interdependence between grade-level instruction, engaging environments, affirming classrooms, and meaningful learning. Robinson and the UnboundEd community reject false trade-offs between rigorous standards and student-centered education, showing how high-quality materials, evidence-based practices, and students' cultural assets transform outcomes. Case studies and workbook pages provide concrete implementation tools for teachers, administrators, and educational leaders.

Readers will also find:

• A comprehensive framework for aligning teacher mindset, planning, and practice to achieve strong outcomes for every single student
• Research-backed strategies for implementing grade-level instruction while affirming students' backgrounds and existing knowledge
• Practical case studies demonstrating successful GLEAM(R) implementation in a wide range of K-12 classrooms and schools
• Workbook pages and planning tools to help educators apply the framework in their own instructional contexts
• Guidance for school and district leaders on supporting teachers in creating student-centered learning environments

GLEAM(R) is essential for K-12 teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, and education leaders committed to eliminating persistent educational outcome gaps. This book equips educators with tools to create classrooms where every single student receives rigorous, grade-level instruction.

From the Back Cover

A research-backed framework to disrupt predictable achievement gaps by race and income

Predictable achievement gaps are not inevitable--they are an instructional challenge with a clear solution. GLEAM^(R) Teaching at the Level Every Student Deserves introduces a research-backed, field-tested, practical framework built on the GLEAM^(R) hypothesis. It purposefully aligns teacher mindsets and planning with grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction to create learning environments where academic excellence becomes accessible to all.

GLEAM^(R) equips educators with detailed guidance on scaffolding curriculum, engaging students, and championing learning inside and outside the classroom. Far from a theoretical guide, this book offers educators a concrete path towards systemic implementation of instructional equity for all students. It's packed with real-world case studies, actionable workbook tools, and step-by-step planning models for both teachers and administrators. The framework addresses the mindset shifts and planning structures required to make culturally responsive teaching a daily reality.

Written for K-12 teachers, school and district administrators, instructional coaches, and state education leaders, GLEAM^(R) delivers practical tools and research-backed strategies for building equitable learning environments. Education reform organizations and professional development programs will find a ready-made framework for developing instructional practices that serve every student regardless of background.

"I have spent my career studying what actually raises achievement for our most underserved students, and in GLEAM^(R), Lacey Robinson refuses the false choice between excellence and belonging. Her book gives educators a shared language and concrete moves to hold grade-level expectations and honor who their students are without trading one for the other, which is exactly how the evidence says children learn best."
--Francesca López, PhD, Jim and Georgia Thompson Distinguished Professor of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

About the Author

Lacey Robinson serves as CEO of the combined UnboundEd and CORE Learning enterprise, leading a national movement in K-12 professional development to advance high-quality teaching for students furthest from educational justice. Drawing on decades of experience as an elementary teacher, middle school principal, and professional development specialist, she was named to the Forbes 2023 50 Over 50 list and is the author of Justice Seekers (Jossey-Bass, 2023).