Dr. Yvette Jackson’s research on empowering students of color is relevant and needed. She is internationally recognized for measuring and evaluating the learning potential of disenfranchised students. The achievement gap is underscored by a confidence gap which seems to be influenced by misperceptions and expectations. Dr. Jackson’s work on literacy, gifted education, and cognitive mediation underscores the need for mentors and for the reframing of labels for low achieving students. Based on the theories developed by Dr. Reuven Feuerstein, her work helps school districts develop curriculum and strategies that integrate cultures, language, and cognition to support learning and achievement of under-performing students.