A Mixed-Methods Study in the Black Belt: Measuring Performance and Exploring Black Rural Education

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Opportunity Gaps and Engagement in Rural Schools

Abstract

When looking for current information about Black Rural Education, the recent literature is almost negligible. In Alabama, the Black Belt region is still home to a high concentration of Rural African Americans. This study examined the academic performance of 9,000 ninth and tenth graders in 42 Black Belt high schools. We found that even with interventions, the cohort students’ grade point averages decreased 1.35 points for each behavior incidence and school absence. In addition, female students outperformed male students, based on GPA. A closer look at the data revealed that intentionally targeted interventions should be in place to address the direct needs of specific students. Closing the opportunity gap will require a whole school, whole community approach.

Authors

• Tonya B. Perry, The University of Alabama - Birmingham

• Samantha Elliott Briggs, The University of Alabama - Birmingham

• Donna Patrice Turner, Spectrum Research Evaluation and Development (SpectrumRED)