African American Boys

African American Boys

Author: Faye Z. Belgrave

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-09-23

Total Pages: 179

ISBN-13: 149391717X

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This book discusses current research on identity formation, family and peer influences, risk and resilience factors, and concepts of masculinity and sexuality in African American boys. Sorting out genuine findings from popular misconceptions and misleading headlines, this concise and wide-ranging reference covers the crucial adolescent years, ages 11-16, acknowledging diversity of background and experience in the group, and differences and similarities with African American girls as well as with other boys. In addition, the authors review strengths-based school and community programs that harness evidence and insights to promote pro-social behavior. Featured areas of coverage include: The protective role of ethnic identity and racial socialization. Family management, cohesion, communication, and well-being. Development and importance of peer relationships. Health and well-being. Theoretical perspectives on educational achievement. Factors that contribute to delinquency and victimization. What works: effective programs and practices. African American Boys is an essential resource for a wide range of clinicians and practitioners – as well as researchers and graduate students – in school and clinical child psychology, prevention and public health, social work, mental health therapy and counseling, family therapy, and criminal justice.


Academic Efficacy Among Adolescent African American Males

Academic Efficacy Among Adolescent African American Males

Author: Chad David Sims

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13:

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The academic achievement gap between African American males and their White American counterparts is one of the most researched phenomena in educational and political circles. Current research proposes academic efficacy, sense of school belonging, and racial identity are internal psychological processes which enhance the academic achievement of African American adolescent males, and thus contribute to the closing of this gap. However, very little research has focused on the relationships between these processes and adolescent African American males who attend majority White high schools in middle-sized cities. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between academic efficacy, sense of school belonging, and racial identity. More specifically, this research examined whether sense of school belonging and racial identity are predictors [AS1] of academic efficacy, and if perceived academic efficacy predicted positive academic achievement for African American males in high schools with small African American student populations. To achieve this purpose adolescent African American males who attend majority White high schools in middle-sized cities were surveyed and analyzed [AS2] using linear bivariate and multiple regression. The results indicated [AS3] sense of school belonging and racial attitudes which possess high racial salience had a significant relationship with academic efficacy. The results also indicated academic efficacy predicted positive academic achievement. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research were discussed.


African American Male Academic Success

African American Male Academic Success

Author: Lawrence L. Scott

Publisher: Universal-Publishers

Published: 2011-08

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 1612337627

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The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of 10 selected academically successful African American male leaders. In this study, "academic success" was defined as these African American men who attained a master's or postgraduate degree such as a M.D., Ph.D., or J.D. Even though there is bountiful research on the deficiencies in the lives of African American males, it is still unclear what conditions lead African American men to higher educational attainment. The goal of this study was to also add to the deficient, ever-emerging body of research in the area of African American male educational attainment, while providing viable solutions that speak to the plights of African American males from all educational backgrounds and experiences. Using a basic interpretive qualitative inquiry format, the research questions focused on (a) how professional and familial social capital is related to academic success, (b) the participant's perception of the role of resilience in the pursuit of academic attainment, and (c) how does self-efficacy influence academic success for these African American male participants? This research analyzed recurring themes from these participants, who were solicited because they can provide expert testimony on how an African American male can achieve academically. The inquiry produced three recurring themes: Self-Belief and Identity, Social Network and Support, and Faith, Spirituality, and Inspiration. After a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the themes, the following categories emerged: Resilience Over Faulty Mindsets; Competition; Above Mediocrity; Social Network and Support; Family; Positive Influences, Mentors, and Peers; Opportunities; Faith, Spirituality, and Inspiration; Faith in a Higher Power; and Historical Responsibility. All the participants identified Social Network and Support as a major factor in their academic success. Most participants credited a parent, peer, mentor, or teacher as the most influential person that helped them throughout their educational pursuits.


Courageous Expectations: Improving the Odds for At-Risk African American Males

Courageous Expectations: Improving the Odds for At-Risk African American Males

Author: Alfred Brinkley

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2013-12

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 1483404951

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Many African American males are headed down the wrong paths in school and society, but that's mostly because we as a community do not understand the challenges they face. In this guide, Dr. Alfred Brinkley, an African American studies scholar and alternative school administrator, explores how to boost the odds of success for at-risk, African American males. He focuses on helping teachers, parents, and students to promote a lifetime love of reading; narrow the achievement gap; encourage self-esteem and intrinsic motivation; and hone parenting and mentoring skills. Leaving your comfort zone and learning why this group of students needs support can better equip you to establish a relationship based on mutual respect. Educating, inspiring, and motivating at-risk African American males requires a support system that can prepare them to succeed. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders can begin to do their part with Courageous Expectations.


Afrocentric Identity and High School Students' Perception of Academic Achievement

Afrocentric Identity and High School Students' Perception of Academic Achievement

Author: Denise W. Coley

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13:

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African American students have historically been labeled as underachievers in the arena of education (Battin-Pearson, Newcomb, Abbot, Hill, Catalano & Hawkins, 2000; Entwisle, 1990; Mickelson, 1990; Kazdin, 1993). Numerous explanations such as education being seen primarily as a White domain, that African Americans who strive to achieve an education are often seen as not being Black enough or that Blacks will be rejected by their peers and community for wanting to be "White" (Fordham & Ogbu, 1986), have been suggested to explain the underachievement of African American students. Others have questioned if the poor performance demonstrated by African American students might be attributed to problems with students' lack of connection with their Afrocentric/racial identity (Datnow & Cooper, 1997; O'Connor, 1997; Sellers, Chavous & Cooke, 1998; Taylor, Casten, Flickinger, Robert & Fulmore, 1994). This study examined three research questions: (1) Is there a relationship between Black students' Afrocentric identity and academic achievement? (2) Is there a relationship between Black students' academic self-concept as related to their racial identity? (3) Is there a relationship between Afrocentric identity and students' desire to attend college? Participants included 84 Black high school senior adolescents from local high schools. Participants were asked to complete four measures to examine racial identity, academic self-concept and academic achievement. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between racial identity (internalization stage) and academic self-concept. While there was a significant correlation between racial identity and academic self-concept, GPA scores appeared to be a better predictor of academic achievement. Results also indicated that awareness of one's identity, affirmation of Black life, and the development of Black people had a negative impact on one's overall academic performance (GPA). These findings raised issues about racial identity and the desire to achieve academically among African American high school seniors.