The role of urban African American parents in supporting their child's success in school: achievement gap among black and white students

Abstract

The academic gap between black children and white children in the 625 school district of St. Paul, Minnesota is wider than all the other states in the entire nation even the state of Mississippi. This research revolves around five major findings that can assist efforts in closing the achievement gap in St. Paul. Along with the five findings that I will be discussing I will also draw on my 54 years of experience in working with black youth as a pastor. The five findings are: parental involvement, discipline, teacher expectations, racism, and hope. Unfortunately, this research also shows that racism and the cultural divide between black and white, are still very prevalent in our society.