Term of Award
Fall 2006
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Curriculum, Foundations, and Reading
Committee Chair
Ming Fang He
Committee Member 1
Asa Hilliard
Committee Member 2
Saundra Nettles
Committee Member 3
John Weaver
Abstract
Using Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, Gotanda, Peller, & Thomas, 1995; Ladson-Billing, 1998; Richard Delgado & Jean Stefanic, 2000; Solorzano & Yasso, 2002) as a theoretical framework, and critical narrative inquiry (Clendanin & Connelly, 1999) as research methodology, I explored stories from five eighth grade African American adolescent males in order to identify how home, community, and school experiences contributed to their academic success and social development. My passion for the inquiry was driven for my desire to foster a sense of agency for social justice and positive changes for the African American community. Selection of participants was based upon reading and math scores in the 60th percentile range on the Georgia Criterion Reference Competency Test (CRCT). Social development was based upon the number of discipline reports. Data collection methods included individual and focus interviews. Important qualities of classroom teachers were determined by a ranking of qualities of effective teachers. The literature review included an examination of the educational history of African Americans, adolescents and racial identity, experiences of African American males, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Six findings resulted from this study. (1) A value system, work ethic, and selfdiscipline are noted for students who are academically and socially developed. (2) Parental involvement is directly linked to positive academic outcomes. (3) A positive sense of ethnic/racial identity serves as a cultural motivator. (4) A connection to the community is limited or absent based on participation in community activities. (5) Some African American males are participating in their own educational marginalization by failing to recognize the significance of culturally relevant teaching. (6) An ethic of care and justice demonstrated by school personnel is significant to students. The study will inform policymakers that it is of great importance for them to reconsider policies, such as zero tolerance, which disproportionately affect minority males. There is a demand for administrators to understand that they are the key in encouraging and supporting staff to acknowledge students experiences and to incorporate experiences into culturally relevant teaching. The study informs parents of the importance to prepare their children to live in a society of discrimination, prejudice, and racism.
Recommended Citation
Lambright, Natalie Ann, "Pedagogy of Social Justice: An Inquiry into the Experiences of African American Adolescent Males" (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 451.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/451
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
