And Still We Rise (Post #3 pgs.269-400)

In this final chunk of And Still We Rise Corwin centers around the gifted students preparing to take their AP exams, most notably the AP English Language and Composition Exam. He loses emphasis on the tragic stories of the gifted students at Crenshaw High to detail a series of event encompassing the time of the exam. Corwin discusses with quotes and imagery the issues surrounding a troubled Ms. Little's repeated enactments of frustrations with the administrations and also her leave of absence in the crucial weeks before the exam. Corwin also keeps the reader emotionally attached to one student in particular, Olivia. Corwin explains how Olivia is striving for success in the juvenile center all the while trying to deal with pent up emotions and trying to take her AP Tests( eventually she was unable to take them). Corwin gives an account of how he was subjected to teaching the class while Little was absent and how he had a new found respect for the way she was able to not only teach, but interact and relate to the students. He writes, "So many times, I watched her engage virtually every student in the class into a passionate discussion and inspire in them a real enthusiasm for literature and its themes. It seemed so effortless, so easy. I realize now it is not." In the culminating chapters of the book Corwin describes the great appreciation that many of the students have for Little, despite her absence when they needed her most. Corwin details the final AP English Class in which Little bids a farewell to her students writing personally a statement about each one of them expressing her love. The students return the love with hugs and tears. Corwin finishes his book by writing about the graduation. He describes the students who speak and those who congratulate and thank Little for her constant care. The final chapter has a part of the speech from valedictorian Danielle who writes of how the students have risen against the stereotypes of society and have achieved success and will continue to do so.

Discussion Questions:
Clarification: What happened to Olivia?
Application: In the epilogue Corwin cites the stats for the decreased admittance rates into universities following the graduation of the gifted class. How do you think the admittance rates will be for the freshman class of 2010?