Book excerpt: Discover the key strategies to empowering African American students with exceptionalities! Central to the teaching and learning of African American students is an understanding of their cultures, background experiences, and perspectives, while applying this understanding to the design, implementation, and assessment of educational programs. This comprehensive, culturally responsive approach is supported by straightforward and in-depth contributions from more than 25 leading scholars and practitioners featured in this book. The guide focuses on specific, innovative methods for maximizing the learning opportunities and outcomes of African American students—from dealing with foundational issues such as accountability, categorization, and legal implications, to managing learning environments and enhancing school practices through teacher preparation and early childhood programs. By providing concrete rationales and solutions for maximizing the intellectual, academic, and social achievement of African American learners, this groundbreaking text presents the tools necessary for meeting the needs of these students, including: Assessment and instructional techniques for general and special education programs, including discussions on specific learning disabilities Intervention tactics for behavioral issues Tips for utilizing family and community resources to complement the classroom Strategies for enhancing students′ communication skills and maximizing the potential of gifted and talented learners