CSU Professional Development

Cultural Competency Training for Professional Educators

The Governor's Closing the Achievement Gap initiative addresses the low graduation rates of students in urban settings by providing professional development training to teachers. The population most affected by low graduation rates is African American males. The Governor's Closing the Achievement Gap office has focused on the needs for improvement with this population first. The Central State University Institute of Urban Education has been awarded a two year grant by the Governor's Closing the Achievement Gap Office.

What is Closing the Achievement Gap?

Districts and High Schools Participating in the Governor's Initiative to Raise the Graduation Rate

Understanding The Problem

Video Interview
Click below to hear what Dr. Charles Willie has to say!

Inspirational Quotes
(click here to view all quotes)

"Good teachers are “gap-closers” — they don’t accept any excuses for low student achievement. The critical lesson to learn is that the power is in the teacher to make a difference in students’ lives. No special equipment, reform, or technology is needed. The good news is that the solutions to the problem have been found. The only questions left are how will this information be disseminated and do we have the will to implement the solutions?"

Asa Hilliard III

Video Interviews (click on individual speaker to view all of their videos)


Honorable C.J. Prentiss		Dr. Charles Willie		Dr. Kaye Jeter		Dr. E. Timothy Moore		Ms. Patricia Payne