75.027 - Black American Students' Achievement in the Suburbs: Academic Success Through Family Engagement

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium panel will discuss the formation of a “soft racial class,” and the concomitant dual identity formation of Black American students in suburban schools. Panel members present findings and commentary as will a senior discussant on a long-term, team study, 2004-2014, that foregrounds Black American families’ stories regarding their students’ academic engagement, the essential contribution to high achievement of affirmed Black cultural identity and community, managed peer socialization, struggles with racial distrust, advocacy in schools, and caring, engaged teachers. This session provides teachers, scholars, and policy makers nuanced contextualized understanding for crafting of practical strategies to further equity for all students in American schools.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 2: Education in Mulitcultural Contexts Within and Across Subject Areas

Chair

• Vilma Seeberg, Kent State University

Papers

• Black American Family Engagement and Success and the Formation of a Soft Racial Class - Vilma Seeberg, Kent State University

• Perceptions of Teacher Expectations Among Academically Successful Black American Students and Their Families - Larissa Malone, Kent State University

• Understanding the Experience of Black American Students Who Migrated From the Inner-City to the Suburbs - Xiaoqi Yu, Kent State University

Discussant

• Beth Blue Swadener, Arizona State University