In November of 2005, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers gathered at a national invitational conference in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Laboratory for Student Success. The event took place just blocks away from the Capitol Rotunda where, days before, Rosa Parks' body laid in state as the nation mourned her passing. The conference began with this in mind as the life and efforts of Rosa Parks were significant not only because of her leadership in the civil rights movement but also because of her other passion, "young people and education." The purpose of the conference and subsequent book called "Narrowing the Achievement Gap: Strategies for Educating Latino, Black, and Asian Students" was founded on the importance of education for these groups; and secondly, that research should be useful to guide practice and policy recommendations. The conference included participants from interdisciplinary fields who shared the same passions in supporting and developing strategies for improving learning. The chapters in the book, which originated from the conference, discuss both the strengths and challenges of minority children and provide strategies. The purpose of this issue of "The Claremont Letter" is to highlight those important issues and strategies in narrowing the achievement gap by discussing the research that was presented.