All Things Considered did this insightful interview with the author of the new book, The Children in Room E4. Author Susan Eaton talks about the book which follows an elementary school class in a high poverty, racially segregated urban school in Hartford, Conn. Though the students come from a tough environment, they have a haven in their classroom with a particularly dedicated and effective teacher who finds techniques to break through the tough exterior her 8- and 9-year-old students use to negotiate their world. Ms. Eaton discusses not only the success this school has but also the subsequent setbacks, as well as the wider issue of how the media often covers education by focusing on rare successes instead of widespread problems.
If you want to hear more from Ms. Eaton, this Education Week chat should help. The Washington Post provides a review of the book.