Caribbean and African American Adolescents' Academic Achievement: Examining School Bonding and Family Support as Protective Factors

• In Event: We Can Do It: Valuing Families' and Communities' Voices Shaping Educational Systems

Abstract

The study examined the contributions of school bonding and family support to academic achievement in a sample of 1168 Caribbean Black and African American adolescents. Preliminary findings highlight the importance of school bonding for Caribbean Black and African American youth and indicate the importance of family emotional support in the education process of Caribbean youth. Results highlight a need for greater support for Black adolescent males especially for Caribbean males. Given that interactions between school personnel, students, and families impact student achievement, this study draws attention to ethnic variation in Black youth’s educational processes and outcomes and provides impetus for educators to provide need-specific services and interventions for Caribbean and African American students to enhance their school experiences and outcomes.

Authors

• Julia Bryan

• Joseph Michael Williams, George Mason University

• Stephaney S Morrison, Hunter College -CUNY

• Lynette M Henry, George Mason University

• Dana C. Griffin, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Jungnam Kim, Ball State University

• Dominiqua Monica Griffin, Pennsylvania State University