What can I do to help students who are struggling academically and personally? Andrew Sharos has heard this question many times in his career. And while we cannot always change where students start, we can certainly affect where they finish. Working with struggling students specifically provides the most satisfying success stories in teaching. This is an unending challenge that is never really complete. Every one of our students has faced adversity at some point in their academic careers, and we must recognize the different challenges they face in order to help them advance. Our struggling students need us, and hopefully by reading this book, you will feel less alone in this challenge. And unlike Sharos’s previous book, this one will make little mention of test scores. While celebrating a measurable data point can validate our work as educators, helping students who struggle is a larger calling for all of us. It’s as a colleague, a peer, and, most importantly, a fellow parent that Sharos aims to share methods to help all of us dig deeper and lean into the struggle, with the ultimate goal of making a difference. We all have students who struggle, and we will continue to have students who struggle. This book will support your desire to be part of the solution. You are capable of changing the academic and personal trajectory of your students who struggle the most, and Kids Can will show you how. Endorsements Andrew’s pulse on the educational landscape results in a message that is timely and spot-on for teachers needing insight into how to move forward in supporting their students. His practical advice and strategies in Kids Can can be implemented by any teacher who has a desire to see their students succeed. —Michelle Swain, director of gifted and advanced academic services, Round Rock ISD, TX Andrew Sharos has significantly influenced our approach by championing the belief that “all kids can” succeed when given the right support and encouragement. His guidance has been pivotal in implementing our “AP for All” program, empowering students who might never have considered AP courses to embrace these opportunities and thrive. —Christina Smith, statistics teacher and AP advisor, Kingsway Regional High School, NJ Kids Can is exactly what I needed, and the timing of it is perfect. Educators are overwhelmed every day, and we often forget to stop and reflect on the importance of building relationships. For decades, teachers have been the pillars of trust and guidance for struggling students, but in today’s classrooms, we are all struggling. Sharos mentions that “struggling students need us more than ever.” I think struggling teachers need this book more than ever. Sharos offers practical solutions. —Andres Ayala, social studies coordinator, South Texas ISD, TX Kids Can provides a valuable look into the challenges facing struggling students and offers practical solutions for educators. The focus on classroom culture and the importance of teacher belief makes this a must read for anyone interested in improving student success. —Albert Hetrick, principal, Aliamanu Middle School, Honolulu, HI Kids Can is a must-read for educators! Drawing from his firsthand classroom experience, Sharos truly understands what drives student engagement and shares practical, impactful strategies for motivation and skill-building. Having worked with Andrew in my district, I've seen firsthand how his insights empower teachers to make small yet pow erful changes that lead to significant gains in student achievement. This book is an invaluable resource for any teacher looking to inspire, motivate, and make a lasting difference in the classroom! —Jill Hackney, director of advanced academics, Northside ISD, San Antonio, TX Andrew Sharos's unwavering belief that ALL students can achieve suc cess is contagious. Once again, Kids Can proves that relationships, rigor, relevance, and the right mindset are powerful tools when impacting students' social/emotional growth and academic excel lence. Achieving begins with believing! —Ginny Nolen, curriculum coordinator, Bossier Parish, LA Andrew has delivered outstanding professional development for teachers at my school. His deep compassion for supporting educators is evident in this book, as his focus is not just on the high achievers but the students who struggle the most. His unwavering patience and commitment to seeing initiatives through have been instrumental in ensuring more students have the opportunity to excel. I am forever grateful for the learning experiences. —Dr. Porsha Denson, assistant principal, South Gwinnett High School, GA Once again, Andrew's pulse on the educational landscape results in a message that is timely and spot-on for teachers needing insight into how to move forward in supporting their students. His practical advice and strategies in Kids Can can be implemented by any teacher who has a desire to see their students succeed. —Michelle Swain, director of gifted and a