This book grew out of the work of the Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence (CREDE). CREDE was a center funded by the U.S. government to conduct research, generate knowledge, and provide services to improve the education of students whose ability to reach their potential is challenged by language or cultural barriers, race, geographic location, or poverty. From 1996 to 2001, CREDE comprised thirtyone research projects around the country that sought to extend knowledge about the education of the diverse students who make up the U.S. school population, from kindergarten through grade 12. These research projects were organized around six themes that are integral to the education of diverse students: language learning and academic achievement; professional development; family, peers, and community; instruction in context; integrated school reform; and assessment. Researchers working on each theme gathered data and tested curriculum models in wide-ranging settings and with diverse student populations – from classrooms with predominantly Zuni-speaking students in New Mexico to inner-city schools in Florida to California elementary schools with large populations of native Spanish-speaking students.

Following the completion of the first phase of research in 2001, CREDE researchers extended the knowledge base that can be used to improve the education of diverse students by carrying out systematic, thorough, and critical reviews of research related to the themes. Seven synthesis teams were created, each involving researchers, practitioners, and policy experts, to survey and critique the available research on a theme and make recommendations for future research agendas.