Several theories suggest that African American culture facilitates academic achievement, but others suggest that identifying with Black culture contributes to the achievement gap by undermining the academic performance among youth. These opposing perspectives are labeled "cultural compatibility theories" and "cultural incompatibility theories,"…

Desegregation marked the beginning of a long period of loss of Black teachers within the profession. First, Black teachers were not hired in desegregated schools, and then as other professional opportunities opened up in society, fewer Blacks entered the teacher pipeline. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize research relevant to…

This article discusses broadly, the literature on racial-ethnic identity (REI) and its role as a factor to promote academic success in young African American adolescents, in particular males. The review also defines, describes, and interprets styles of self-presentation that reflect aspects of REI among African American males in and outside of…

This literature review presents the research evidence that exists for ten intervention strategies commonly adopted by programmatic efforts striving to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Also presented is empirical support for three model intervention programs: The Meyerhoff Program, Minority…

The disparity in educational outcomes between majority White and minority African American populations has become known as the African American achievement gap. The authors examine the under performance of African American university students by providing an overview of the major cultural, communication, and learning style characteristics of Black…

This review of literature examines the status of education in high-need, urban schools. The article begins with a discussion of the issues and challenges experienced in these settings including the resources available, community context, quality of teachers, preparation of future teachers, and the characteristics of students. Following this…

Asserts that the U.S. educational system perpetuates the social inequalities of a class hierarchy by allocating differential "educational capital" along class lines. Review of relevant literature finds that unequal critical thinking development at institutions of varying selectivity, coupled with the positive association between socioeconomic…

Describes the historical efforts of economically, politically, and socially oppressed black communities across the segregated U.S. south to give their children a quality education, highlighting rural Prince Edward County, Virginia. In an attempt to circumvent Brown v. Board of Education (1954), white leaders closed every public school in the…

Explores causes for the disproportionate representation of African American students in mild mental retardation and serious emotional disturbances special education categories. Provides recommendations to promote positive academic and social behavior for African American students that may prevent the students' need for specialized education…

In the context of the diminishing numbers of African American teachers in special education, reviews the literature relevant to the disparity between the cultures of educators and students, the subjugation of minority students into inequitable learning environments, ineffective teacher recruiting practices, and the inability to provide…

Introduces the articles of this special issue, which represent the thinking of a group of researchers and educators regarding assessment in the context of culture and pedagogy. The emphasis is on the development of assessments that engage the cultural strengths of children from minority groups. (SLD)

The articles in this special theme issue discuss the relevance and effectiveness of strategies for developing assessments with students and teachers of color as the focal point. They contribute to a critical discourse on the potential of culturally responsive performance-based assessments. (SLD)

Discusses the research and steps needed to develop performance-based and computer-adaptive assessments that are culturally responsive. Supports the development of a new conceptual framework and more explicit guidelines for designing culturally responsive assessments. (SLD)

Reviews literature on the various dimensions of culture to assess the implications for student learning and the development of culturally responsive assessments. Uses data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 to examine the cultural context in which students live as a basis for understanding context effects on academic…

Discusses educational reform in South Africa's historically disadvantaged institutions of higher education. Areas of focus include efficient, integrated administration; student academic and leadership development; academic, administrative staff development; curriculum development; and research development. (MMU)