The Role of Gender, School Support, and Absenteeism in the Achievement of African American Middle School Students

• In Event: 14.039 - Negotiating Differences in Middle-Level Education

Abstract

One of the critical issues facing middle level educators is making sure we have the types of support in place for providing equitable learning environments for all students and helping them to feel that they belong in school. Literature suggests that a gender gap exists within middle level education today with respect to achievement scores and the degree to which females and males feel that they belong in school. This paper examined gender differences in school support, absenteeism, and achievement among African-American middle school students, using data collected in an urban, southeastern United States school system. Regression analysis resulted in significant gender differences in school support and achievement scores with females scoring higher than male students in all areas.

Author

• James Ryan Alverson, Northern Kentucky University