Understanding Father Involvement Regarding the Academic Success of African American Males in Urban High Schools

Understanding Father Involvement Regarding the Academic Success of African American Males in Urban High Schools

Author: Temujin H. Taylor

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13:

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There is a great deal of evidence that parental involvement is positively related to how children and adolescents perform in school (Flouri & Buchanan, 2004; McLanahan, Tach, & Schneider, 2013). Few studies (Battle & Scott, 2000; Reynolds, Howard, & Jones, 2015) have specifically looked at the influence of fathers and non-biological father figures on the educational outcomes of African American adolescents. Father involvement is crucial to the academic success of African American males. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of involved African American fathers regarding the academic success of their high school age sons? For the purpose of this study, father involvement is broadly defined as engagement (interacting with the child directly), accessibility (being available for the child, but not interacting directly with the child), and responsibility (monitoring and providing for the child; Lamb, Pleck, Charnov, & Levine, 1985). Social ecological theory will be used to guide the study. Bronfenbrenner (1979) theorized that socio-cultural systems and environmental factors influence a child’s development. Data was collected primarily from African American fathers who were involved in their high school age sons’ academics through interviews, a focus group session, and document analysis. Phenomenological data analysis procedures as described by Moustakas’ (1994) seven step model were utilized. The findings suggests that through the lived experiences of 10 African American fathers three themes were developed: getting to the next level, father-son relationships, and the importance of education. The study concluded that father involvement is a crucial component in assisting African American males with becoming academic successful in urban high schools as well as life.


Unique Challenges in Urban Schools

Unique Challenges in Urban Schools

Author: Eric R. Jackson

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2015-04-03

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13: 1610480104

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This study explores the various ways in which parental involvement can help to increase student academic success. More specifically, this analysis is based on the notions that: 1) parent involvement in inner city schools present unique challenges that are different from the traditional middle class perspective; 2) there is value in a cooperative approach between parents, teachers, and administrators that places the student at the center of each major discussion and decision; and 3) illustrates that parental involvement is a real perspective and not just rhetorical jargon. Although the focus of this book is in increasing parent involvement in inner city schools, readers must be mindful that the ultimate objective for this work and others like it is the successful educating of all children, so that they graduate from high school, and move into higher education, or into the workforce. Parent involvement by itself will not ensure academic success of children, but, combined with many strategies, including a clear understanding of the differences between an inner city school environment and a middle class school setting, effective teaching, sound and relevant curricula, safe and secure learning environment, and visionary leadership, children attending inner city schools can be just as effective as those in middle class school settings.


African American Males in School and Society

African American Males in School and Society

Author: Vernon C. Polite

Publisher: Teachers College Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 590

ISBN-13: 0807776459

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In this groundbreaking and timely volume Vernon Polite and James Earl Davis have brought together the perspectives and research findings of eminent scholars who study the educational and social lives of African American males. The result is a volume that brims with new outlooks and viewpoints—a refreshing departure from pervasive and oftentimes stereotypical literature about the African American male experience—and gives the reader access to prevalent issues affecting this population today. Thoughtful attention is paid to broader outcomes such as educational attainment, job procurement, and quality of life. These topics are discussed against the backdrop of student background and schooling with the overall aim of improving the academic and social outcomes of this population. “At last, a comprehensive look at the most salient issues that affect the future of African American men. This book provides much more than a ray of hope; it is replete with recommendations and practices that, if implemented, will positively impact educational and social outcomes. Every educator and parent who grapples with the dilemma of educating Black boys and young men should read this book.” —Robert Peterkin, Ph.D., Harvard University's Urban Superintendents Program “School administrations serious about addressing the underachievement and underdevelopment of African American boys and youths will find in this book theoretical and methodological approaches (e.g., practical, just–in–time strategies for implementation). . . . This book will empower readers who are committed to equity and excellence for African American male students.” —Gwendolyn J. Cooke, Ph.D., Director, Urban Services, National Association of Secondary School Principals


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.


African American Fathers' Involvement in their Children's Education

African American Fathers' Involvement in their Children's Education

Author: Tasha L. Alston

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2021-11-05

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 1793632596

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The literature tells us that parental involvement affects academic achievement. However, much of the literature on parental involvement focuses on the involvement of mothers with limited information about the involvement of fathers, especially African American fathers. The parental involvement literature on African American fathers is insufficient compared to their White counterparts. African American fathers do not have a “voice” in the literature on parental involvement. A racial and gender bias exists in the literature on parental involvement that marginalizes the voice of African American fathers. African American Fathers' Involvement in their Children’s Education seeks to understand the relationship that African American fathers have with the education of their children by using Critical Race Theory as a theoretical framework to privilege the "voice" of African American fathers. This text focuses on the contributions that African American fathers make in the lives of their children and families, challenges the master deficient narrative, and humanizes African American fathers. This book purposefully and unapologetically portrays African American fathers as the brilliant, excellent human beings they are.


Bridging the Achievement Gap

Bridging the Achievement Gap

Author: Hugh J. Harmon

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2010-01-04

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 0557058228

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African American males are failing out of high school, retained in the elementary grades, and funneled to special education programs at far greater levels than their peers are. An educated black young man has almost become an oxymoron in America's urban enclaves, and the U.S. education system seems to be ill equipped to finger the cause of this tragedy in educational outcomes. This is behind the backdrop of measured peaks of progress in income level, home ownership and forays into the realm above the proverbial glass ceiling of corporate America for many African Americans. Why does this achievement gap persist despite the achievements in other areas? Why is it still only a few who somehow manage to beat the odds?


Urban African American Youths' Academic Performance as Related to Fathers' Involvement During Development

Urban African American Youths' Academic Performance as Related to Fathers' Involvement During Development

Author: Travis A. Goldwire

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13:

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Father involvement in the context of urban African American youth was examined using a subsample (n = 556) of a large cohort of participants followed longitudinally through development. Data was collected at regular intervals (e.g., Age 7, 14, 19 and young adult). Young adults (n = 93) were surveyed for retrospective accounts of their fathers' involvement in their lives before age 18. In the young adult data collection phase (the main subject of this project), most participants reported varying levels and frequency of involvement from their fathers while growing up, including helping at school, providing social support, and encouraging academic achievement. Most participants performed below average on measures of academic performance during development though a good many were enrolled in post-secondary education at the time this data was collected. Hierarchical linear multiple regressions were used in statistical analyses. At Age 14, there were significant relationships found between measures of broad involvement and children's writing abilities, and time spent with children predicting GPA and math performance. There were no gender differences present with relation to father involvement. Similar trends persisted even when using the larger (n = 556) cohort. This study showed support for previous findings among urban African American youth with regard to father involvement and shows the many ways in which they are present in their children's lives over time. Also, this study gives validity to the congruence that exists between the views of father involvement between mother and young adult reports.


Educating African American Males

Educating African American Males

Author: Olatokunbo S. Fashola

Publisher: Corwin Press

Published: 2005-03-23

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1483351602

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Engage in exploratory discussion on African American male achievement. Why do some students return to school year after year excited and engaged? Why do other students dread school, have negative feelings toward school, or feel unequipped by the challenge or demands of school? Educating African American Males offers multiple perspectives on this topic from top scholars in the field of urban education. Contributions in this book represent the proceedings from a conference co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and Howard University and devoted to African American male achievement. This exciting new resource brings this important discussion to the field and offers unique perspectives covering sociological, emotional, economic, pedagogical, and cognitive realms. Educating African American Males makes bold strides in moving away from low test scores, high dropout and expulsion rates, and high disciplinary problems, and toward the constructive aim of achieving high-quality education for all students.


Building on Resilience

Building on Resilience

Author: Fred A. Bonner II

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-03

Total Pages: 173

ISBN-13: 1000978656

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How do we fix the leaky educational pipeline into a conduit of success for Black males?That the issue is critical is demonstrated by the statistics that only 10% of Black males in the United States are proficient in 8th grade reading, only 52% graduate from high school within four years, and only 35 percent graduate from college.This book uniquely examines the trajectory of Black males through the educational pipeline from pre-school through college. In doing so it not only contributes significantly to the scholarship on the experiences of this population, but bridges the gap between theory and practice to provide frameworks and models that will improve these young men’s educational outcomes throughout their educational journeys.A compelling feature of the book is that that it does not treat Black males as homogeneous, but recognizes the diversity that exists among Black males in various educational settings. It demonstrates the need to recognize students’ intersectionalities and individual characteristics as an essential preliminary to developing practices to improve outcomes at every educational stage.Throughout, the contributing authors also focus on the strategies and experiences of Black males who achieve academic excellence, examining growth-producing and asset-based practices that can be sustained, and that build upon the recognition that these males have agency and possess qualities such as resilience that are essential to their learning and development. The frameworks and models that conclude each chapter are equally commendable to K–12 educators and administrators; higher education faculty, student affairs practitioners, and administrators; and policymakers, for whom templates are provided for rectifying the continuing inequities of our educational system.


African American Male Students in PreK-12 Schools

African American Male Students in PreK-12 Schools

Author: Chance W. Lewis

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing

Published: 2014-05-28

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 178441283X

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Presents a comprehensive viewpoint on preK-12 schooling for African American males. Including theoretical, conceptual, and research based chapters, this edited volume offers readers compelling evidence of the education challenges and successes for this student population.