Rosa Aronson tells the stories of seven disadvantaged students, uncovering how very different at risk achievers have overcome the odds stacked against them. She also offers recommendations for change in today's educational system.

What is your perception of at-risk students? A rural African-American man? A legally blind Georgia girl? A poor Pakistani immigrant? Rosa Aronson tells the stories of these and four other students, uncovering how very different at-risk achievers have overcome the odds stacked against them. Through seven narratives, Aronson analyzes their collective experiences. She offers recommendations for change in today's educational system based upon their journeys and the research of other overcomers such as Richard Rodriguez and Victor Frankl. A powerful book, At-Risk Students Defy the Odds brings to light the issues of poverty and race that affect education today, and provides hope for change.

Success, Failure and Educational Resilience in American Schools
Seven Stories of Resilience
Barriers to Success and Their Effects on Students at Risk
Enabling Conditions and Coping Strategies
Experiencing Achievement and Looking Back
Conclusion: What Does This All Mean? What Are the Implications for Educators and Policy-Makers?
References.