African American Males in School and Society: Practices and Policies for Effective Education [Paperback]

Vernon C. Polite (Author, Editor), James Earl Davis (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0807738700 | ISBN-13: 978-0807738702 | Publication Date: September 1, 1999

Studies the educational and social lives of African American males. The book pays attention to educational attainment, job procurement, and quality of life, discussed against the backdrop of student background and schooling. Its aim is to improve the academic and social outcomes of this population.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Vernon Polite is an associate professor and coordinator of graduate programs in educational administration at the Catholic University of America. James Earl Davis is an associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware.

Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807738700
• ISBN-13: 978-0807738702
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Leigh Pruitt, II is a national and internationally recognized leadership trainer and motivational speaker. He is also the Director of Spiritual Life Coaching for InnerVisions owned by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Iyanla Vanzant. Robert is the author of several books including Out of the Box - Sharing the gift you are with the world. He believes everyone has talents, skills, abilities and experiences which must be shared with the world!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Education and Black Males, August 21, 2006

By 

Jeffery Mingo (Homewood, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African American Males in School and Society: Practices and Policies for Effective Education (Paperback)

This anthology covers a diverse array of topics on black males and their education, including computer classes, gifted program selection, special education courses, etc. It roughly covers elementary school to the university level.

This books mixes academic summaries with personal anecdotes. This may frustrate academics who want something more rigorous or everyday people that want something more chatty. Also, many chapters start with theory and past studies and end with bullet-pointed recommendations. Again, this may frustrate the two opposing types of readers.

There is a very noticeable absence here. The authors NEVER state that black male students would benefit from having more black teachers. The book quotes many black male students who can name black and non-black instructors that they admire. I am sure the contributors did not want to be essentialist and argue that like must teach like. However, I also wonder if there is a resignation here that assumes the teaching pool will remain predominantly white even as public school student populations become more and more black.

This book is fair-minded in its criticism. It does suggest that institutional racism and the racism of teachers may hurt black male students. However, it also covers black male students that do not take rigorous courses, drop out of school voluntarily, start fights or conduct gang activities that get them expelled, etc.. Many will appreciate the coverage of push and pull dynamics that have created this educational crisis.

This book is sure to be helpful for many undergraduate education majors that must write papers. I am almost sure one of the photos on the cover comes from another book on black males and education.