The Underachievement of High School Black Males in Public Schools in Central Arkansas

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

This study is a journey through the academic lives of ten 9 Title I Black male students in Schools of Central Arkansas. The purpose of the study is to examine the underachievement of high school black males in ABC Elementary School of Central Arkansas . Participants were selected based on standardized tests results, school enrollment status, and race criteria. The mixed methodology used in this study encompassed the beliefs and concepts of several theorists on self-determination, diversity of learning methods, and modeling. An in-depth literature review shows the methods of the learning and achievement of males at the elementary level, of Blacks in general, and of Black males at the elementary level.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1

Introduction to the Problem1

Background of the Study2

Statement of the Problem7

Purpose of the Study8

Research Questions12

Significance of the Study12

Definition of Terms13

Assumptions14

Limitations15

Nature of the Study15

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW19

Optimum Learning20

Black Male Learning25

Variables of Black Male Learning27

Traditional Public School30

Impact of Traditional Public School on the Black Males33

Voices of Black Boys: Elementary Level35

Theoretical Framework36

Summary38

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY40

Introduction40

Statement of the Problem41

Research Questions42

Research Design and Procedures42

Design Methodology45

Population and Sampling Procedure46

Sources of Data48

Validity49

Reliability50

Data Collection Procedures52

Data Organization54

Data Analysis Procedures55

Validity56

Ethical Considerations57

Limitations59

Summary60

CHAPTER 4 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS61

Demographic DeScription of Class61

Participant Identification62

Demographic Description of Participant Group62

Data Analysis63

Parent Perspective88

Teacher Perspective90

Results93

Summary94

CHAPTER 5: RESULTS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS95

Introduction95

Summary of the Study95

Summary of Findings and Conclusions96

Learning and Motivation98

Recommendations for Future Research100

Recommendations for Practice101

Implications102

Closing Remarks103

REFERENCES104

APPENDIX A - PARENT/GUARDIAN QUESTIONNAIRE109

APPENDIX B - PARENT/GUARDIAN QUESTIONNAIRE110

APPENDIX C - STUDENT INTERVIEW111

Student Interview # 1111

Student Interview # 2113

APPENDIX D - STUDENT FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW115

Student Focus Group115

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the Problem

Regardless of all the initiatives that have taken place over the past many years, the disparity between black and white student performance has sadly remained the same or even increased in some cases, with no immediate end in sight. Moreover, the financial crisis of 2008 that has griped the nation will have an even greater impact on funding for schools, as well as employment opportunities available to minority citizens. Many of the jobs and industries that have employed black citizens in the past, such as the automobile industry, and manufacturing, will see severe job cuts. This means that competition for low, medium and high paying jobs will no longer be assured with just a high school or even college education. Even low wage jobs are no longer available in many cases, as an ever increasing immigrant population is willing to take lower wages and work longer hours than the traditional low-wage worker. It is no longer reasonable to expect that a young ...