In 1998, Dr. Oscar J. Underwood appeared before the United States Congressional Committee on Small Businesses to testify regarding his proven strategies for maximizing competence and scholastic achievement among K-12 students. This book summarizes these strategies. Here, Dr. Underwood outlines methods for creating learning environments that engage students' entire person and unlock their inherent power to achieve exponentially. Dr. Oscar Dowdell-Underwood is a pastor, educator, activist, author, motivational speaker and public intellectual. In 1982, he left a career in suburban education to accept a principalship at a failing, low-income, inner-city elementary school. There, he dared to lead a team of dedicated teachers who together proved that achievement is not a matter of race or economics, but passion and determination. Within one year of implementing what is known as the "Underwood Model," students' achievement scores, engagement, and perceptions of mattering skyrocketed and student violence and apathy plummeted. These students, who were among some of the lowest achievers in the nation, were now performing at unprecedented levels. After 41 years later, his life's work is still centered on educating students and eradicating educational inequalities and disenfranchisement. He is the founder and President of Cornerstone Christian College Preparatory School International and Cornerstone Christian Bible College International. Dr. Oscar Dowdell-Underwood's work has resulted in many distinctions, including being named the first African American Indiana Teacher of the Year in 1977. He is a sought-after conference speaker and education consultant. He is also politically active - challenging educational policies that marginalize students, particularly poor and minority students. He believes that all children deserve the dignity of an excellent education. Dr. Dowdell-Underwood most enjoys the time he spends teaching. His unyielding commitment to education and human development has made an unparalleled positive impact on the hundreds of students who affectionately refer to him as"Doc."
