This study uses a theoretical framework rooted in stereotype threat theory to investigate the perceptions and experiences of high-achieving African American students at an urban elementary school that had implemented a test-centered curriculum. The investigation utilized data from six focus group interviews conducted with a purposefully selected…

Much of the research that focuses on the academic success of Black youth in urban science education does not consider the provision of tools that educators can use in becoming more effective. This article discusses this issue, and introduces an approach to pedagogy--reality pedagogy--which includes five distinct types of practices (the 5 C's)…

The need for African American male teachers is clear; however their pathway to teaching is in disrepair. This article shares research findings and a description of a pre-collegiate course designed to encourage high school students of color, including African American males, to explore teaching. More specifically, drawing from survey and interview…

The academic performance of urban African American students continues to be a major concern. Academic achievement has been the main avenue to upward social mobility for African Americans. This study assesses the effect of attitudes, behavior, peers, and family on the academic performance of African American students living in urban public housing…

This study examines whether participating in competitive policy debate influences high school completion, academic achievement, and college readiness for African American male students. The analysis examines data from the Chicago Debate League from 1997 to 2006. Debate participants were 70% more likely to graduate and three times less likely to…

Examines connections between the racial consciousness of Black school superintendents and their sense of professionalism through a survey of 62 Black school superintendents, including 9 large urban districts. Concludes that most identify strongly with Black power and the need to preserve Black cultural differences. (FMW)

In a study comparing the acquisition of information and the understanding of significant concepts by 5th grade children who studied science from two different approaches, the results lent support to the belief that science programs which allow students to discover solutions for themselves are more effective than a content-oriented approach. (EH)

Topics discussed are: what the city is, what a good urban school is not, and criteria of good urban schools. Approaches that maximize and utilize the city as a center for learning are given through an examination of five models of urban schools. (Author/AM)

In order to try to explain the success of street academies, descriptions of such schools from both the popular and professional literature are used to develop an analysis of typical program characteristics; suggest less obvious possible reasons for success which are usually not cited and speculate on one global program characteristic that may be…

Describes of small group of blacks in Boston who had escaped most of the disabilities of slavery and racism to acquire the values and skills necessary for leadership; encouraged by the apparent concern of Bay Staters for equality, black leaders strove to enhance their status and improve the prospects of their people. (Author/JM)

Deals with three questions--(1) Is integration of the races a desirable goal for public schools in the black cities? (2) If desirable, is it feasible? and, (3) If desirable and feasible, how is it to be accomplished?--expressing the position of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people. (Author/JM)

Argues that Black education will not improve until Black citizens become actively involved in all phases of their children's education. Stresses the need for parent and community participation and teacher education. (FMW)

Describes the financial situation commonly faced by inner city school systems; interprets the racial, economic, and political dimensions of policy making for the public schools; and discusses alternatives which offer some prospects for providing an adequate financial base for inner city school systems. (Author/JM)