Plessy Strikes Back or No Child Left Behind, and Beyond: A Study of African American Male Marginalization and Effects of Proposed Policy Prescriptions for Remedy
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: This qualitative study was conducted with the purpose of examining the scope of the achievement gap as it relates to African American males, compared to their white and Asian counter parts, and the impact of No Child Left Behind as a policy impacting this performance disparity.The research was employed as an institutional ethnography, such that the emphasis of the work was not on the isolated experiences and outcomes of participants, rather, it considered the collective school and testing accounts of subjects within the broader context of comparing and analyzing the network of associated influences, events and ruling organization practices mitigating their academic performance.The cohort represented in the study sample was comprised of African American males ages 18-26 with varying levels of academic achievement and aspirations -with a research emphasis of 'capturing the voice' of this population in regard to their school and testing experiences.The students graduated from the same urban public high school but had varying K-12 schooling experiences, including suburban and lottery (selective school) contexts.Some of the salient themes emerging from the analysis of data included (a) Interpretation of Group Identity, (b) Expectation of Acceptable School Performance, (c) School Influence on Student Self-Perception, (d) Knowing How to Study, and (e) Emphasis and Awareness of Testing Format.iii Dedication This study is dedicated to Jesus Christ, in the expansion of His domain and in the advancement of justice, mercy and education that uplifts -to my wife, Kenyona, and my two children, Daniel and Terilyn.It is difficult to convey in writing my gratitude to my wife, Kenyona, who over the past 5 years, has been a constant source of encouragement in this scholarly endeavor.Her willingness to go above and beyond to provide a sense of balance for our home has afforded me the opportunity to be a scholar, and address the priorities of family and work.I look forward to providing a similar support to her as she embarks on her own graduate studies.Next, the findings of this study demonstrate the importance of positive male role models and mentors in the cultivation of a strong academic identity.I benefitted greatly from the influence of my father, Dr. Lionel G. Walker, in my life as both a man and a scholar.Both he and my mother, Mrs. Terry M. Walker, have been instrumental throughout my life, but especially early on, in the cultivation of my talents and skills which have subsequently provided the foundation for this work of scholarship.Lastly, I would like to thank my committee, Philip T.K. Daniel, James Moore III and Scott Sweetland for their provocation, support and robust feedback in this work -an ongoing process of inquiry.Dr. Daniel, my dissertation advisor, was the impetus in my pursuit of a Ph.D., a journey which has proven to be both taxing and rewarding.His vast knowledge of the law and education policy provided the foundation for this study
Author: Todd A. Walker
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W20789509