This collection of programs, anecdotes, and reflections seeks to accomplish what may sometimes seem like an impossible task: motivating students. Dr. Richard O'Connell, EdD, who has helped countless students over a career spanning more than forty years in New York and New Jersey schools, shares an array of tools and insights to help you promote student achievement. The programs are actual plans of action to influence students, which have been incorporated into schools. The anecdotes are stories, instances, and advice that you can adapt to your own special circumstances. They are printed in bold so you can find them easily. The reflections are the author's thoughts and ruminations on important concerns that pertain to students. As you read, you'll discover the importance of looking beyond appearances, finding out what motivates students, how to engage with them, and how to get them excited about learning. Whether you are a parent, counselor, teacher, principal, volunteer, or intern, the advice in this guide will help you make meaningful progress in promoting student achievement.