North Carolina Association for Research in Education: Academic Resiliency Among African American Males in Secondary Schools

• In Event: The Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Paper Session 4

Abstract

In their effort to improve student achievement among low performing students, educators are implementing strategies that build resiliency and promote academic success. This study investigated the relationship between students’ perception of the existence of resiliency-building strategies in schools and their levels of resilience and academic achievement. The study used a correlational research methodology with a self-report survey to collect data. The sample (n = 107) consisted of African-American male students attending four high schools in a school district located in the southwest region of North Carolina. The results of the analysis show that a correlation exists between academic resiliency and GPA. In addition, the findings reveal that there is a relationship between academic resiliency and the perception of resiliency-building strategies. Subsequent discussions include literature related to academic resiliency and resiliency-building strategies, implications of the study, and recommendations for educators.

Author

• Lee V. Casey, University of North Carolina - Charlotte