Do You Really Care? Understanding Black Elementary School Students' Perceptions of Care and Success

• In Event: Do You Really Care? Learning Environments That Shape Student Outcomes

Abstract

Oftentimes, preservice teachers take a colorblind approach to their students. Yet, this results in missed opportunities for Black students, because what counts as care can differ across racial and cultural lines. To learn about care and best practices that help Black elementary school students succeed, I share ten focal students’ perceptions of care and success in this qualitative case study. Findings reveal that Black students perceive success as “passing,” with hopes of getting a job; and a teacher’s care as (1) their support for student learning and (2) expressions of love, including “tough love.” Given that Black students are often misunderstood in school contexts, understanding their perceptions and what they value may be particularly important to supporting their academic success.

Author

• Christine Quince, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor