Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/re-examining-our-views-of-black-boys/5023446/
Bridging Research and Practice
The Bridging Research and Practice feature in each issue includes an article on an aspect of early childhood research plus links to the original published research with a companion article full of practical strategies for how to implement the research in your practice.
We encourage you to nominate research for review by the Research Advisory Team by email: [email protected]
To learn more about the Advisory Team, visit www.ChildCareExchange.com/research
Perception is Not Always Reality
Many studies have focused only on the academic or social deficits of Black boys after entering kindergarten. My study on the transition of 700 African American boys from preschool to kindergarten looked at a full range of experiences and outcomes, focusing on family and child characteristics, as well as parenting practices. The findings from this study confirm at least two things that are of special relevance to early childhood administrators, educators, and professors:
1. There are many Black boys who show early academic promise and above average learning behavior — one out of five.
2. In some instances, Black boys who seemed to have an early giftedness show a decline when they enter formal schooling — a finding which should be of concern to all educators.
The narrative held about Black boys and ...