Examining the Relationships Between School Racial Climate, Racial Identity and Belonging on Black Students Motivation.

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Social, Cultural, and Emotional Foundations of Student Learning and Motivation

Abstract

Research shows that academic motivation declines as students age (Eccles et al., 1993), a trend more pronounced for Black students, who frequently report lower belonging and motivation in adolescence (Urdan & Schoenfelder, 2006; Hughes et al., 2015). Traditional motivational theories often ignore the historical and systemic constraints impacting Black students (Usher, 2018). This study surveyed 288 students, analyzing perceptions of school racial climate, racial identity, belonging, and motivation using correlations, moderation, and mediation models. Racial identity and school racial climate were associated with Black students’ motivational outcomes. Findings suggest educators and parents foster opportunities to support students’ racial identity through positive racial climates.

Authors

• Jacoby Luster, University of Michigan

• Jamaal Matthews, University of Michigan