Term of Award
Fall 2012
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (restricted to Georgia Southern)
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
Meca Johnson-Williams
Committee Member 1
Wendy Chambers
Committee Member 2
Ming Fang He
Committee Member 3
Saba Jallow
Committee Member 3 Email
sjallow@georgiasouthern.edu
Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of parents, teachers, and students as they relate to the academic success of African American middle school males. The stories of three successful middle school male students, their mothers, and their teachers were examined to identify how school and home experiences contributed to the boys‟ academic success. A critical race theory lens was used, employing ethnographic and case study methods. The mother and teachers of each student participated. Data collection methods included three focus groups, one each for the students, mothers, and teachers. The integration and connection of various themes that emerged from the data yielded the following conclusions: Parental involvement is directly linked to successful academic outcomes; possible selves (how African American males see themselves and the possibilities for their future) promote confidence and motivate students to be successful; students are motivated by practices that involve them in their own learning; and facing challenges can help students overcome obstacles. There is a need to purposefully and deliberately look at young African American males who are successful in order to shed light on the pedagogy and strategies that have contributed to their success. The understandings gained from such exploration can then be offered as ways to improve the academic performance of other African American males.
Recommended Citation
Lumpkin-Barnett, Anita, "Reflecting Society's Mirror Image: Identifying Factors that Contribute to the Academic Success of Young African American Males in School" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 823.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/823
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
