INTRODUCTION Based largely on the writings of educational philosopher and activist Paulo Freire (see, e.g. 1970, 1977, 1989, 1993), educational researchers have demonstrated the contemporary relevance of dialogic and critical pedagogy to teachers and students of all ages, especially in urban schools (Cammarota & Fine, 2008; Darder, Baltodano, & Torres, 2003; DuncanAndrade & Morrell, 2008; Gay, ...