Teachers' Race and Cultural Awareness Predicting Low-Income Black and Hispanic Students' Perceptions of Educational Attainment

• In Event: Roundtable Session 49
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Analysis of Race, Class, Gender, and Ethnicity in Elementary School Contexts

Abstract

Teacher’s cultural awareness and perceptions of students of color affect their expectations of educational attainment. Using a diverse sample of low-income, Black and Hispanic students from the Three-City Teacher Study (N= 207 students; 45% male; 52% non-Hispanic Black, 48% non-White Hispanic; mean age = 16.70 years), this study examined student and teacher matched perceptions of educational attainment and school connectedness. Results showed teachers had lower perceptions of educational attainment for Hispanic students (versus Black students). This effect was moderated by cultural awareness and student race with teachers more likely to have higher perceptions of educational attainment for Black students if they reported higher cultural awareness. Implications for teacher education and professional development are discussed.

Authors

• Jameela Conway-Turner, George Mason University

• Brenda J. Lohman, Iowa State University

• Duhita Mahatmya, The University of Iowa

• Elizabeth Levine Brown, George Mason University