High school instructors need to focus on engagement, not just motivation to inspire student learning. Based on the author's experience working with the toughest students, at-risk kids, struggling students, and drop outs, this book offers teachers strategies that work to harness students' interests and creativity. This book includes techniques and ideas that can be adapted for any type of environment and at both the classroom and school level. The book divides into two sections and eight chapters. Section 1, Improving the Culture for Struggling Students, contains: (1) From a Testing to a Learning Culture: "What About Test Scores?"; (2) Relationships Are as Important as Content: "What Do You Mean, Build Relationships? My Job Is to Teach History;" (3) Intentional Learning Communities Foster Learning: "What's Community Got to Do With Learning?" (4) How Principles Govern a School Better Than Rules: "So, What About Discipline?" and (5) A Democratic School Helps Students Learn: "What's Democratic About Schools?" Section 2, Improving Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Struggling Students, contains: (6) Developing Curriculum According to the Right Standards: "What About Standards?" (7) Innovative Instructional Strategies Help Students Learn: "How Do You Get Them to Learn?" and (8) Learning From Assessing Learning: "How Do You Know They've Learned?" The book concludes with "The Importance of Looking at the Student as a Whole Person." The following resources are included: (1) About Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center; and (2) Test Score Data From Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center. References and an index are also included.