Promotive and Corrosive Roles of School Racial Climates in African American Students' Mathematics Self-Concepts and Outcomes

• In Event: Youth Engagement and Belonging

Abstract

Student self-concept of math ability (SCMA) and math utility value shape course-taking patterns, achievement, and entree into mathematics-intensive college majors (Eccles & Wigfield, 2005). The development of SCMA and math utility value are embedded in social contexts (Marsh et al., 2005). School racial climate is a particularly important context for African American students’ academic self-concept, yet understudied - particularly in relation to STEM success. This longitudinal study applies structural equation modeling to MADICS, exploring how school racial climates moderate the relationship between teacher practices (math curricular utility value) and African American students’ SCMA and math utility value. These student beliefs in 11th grade are linked to college majors two years later, holding implications for understanding African American students’ STEM success.

Authors

• Sarah E. McKellar, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Aixa Daphne Marchand, University of Michigan

• Matthew Diemer, University of Michigan

• Oksana Malanchuk, University of Michigan