The Trouble With Black Boys: ...And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education [Paperback]

Pedro A. Noguera (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0470452080 | ISBN-13: 978-0470452080 | Edition: 1

For many years to come, race will continue to be a source of controversy and conflict in American society. For many of us it will continue to shape where we live, pray, go to school, and socialize. We cannot simply wish away the existence of race or racism, but we can take steps to lessen the ways in which the categories trap and confine us. Educators, who should be committed to helping young people realize their intellectual potential as they make their way toward adulthood, have a responsibility to help them find ways to expand identities related to race so that they can experience the fullest possibility of all that they may become. In this brutally honest—yet ultimately hopeful— book Pedro Noguera examines the many facets of race in schools and society and reveals what it will take to improve outcomes for all students. From achievement gaps to immigration, Noguera offers a rich and compelling picture of a complex issue that affects all of us.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Influenced by culture and aware of the lack of prospects for them, black boys in particular, but minority students of all kinds, make the kinds of poor choices that fulfill the low expectations of their teachers and the broader society. Education professor Noguera examines the cultural, societal—and personal—factors that create the stubborn link between race and poverty. In this compelling series of essays, Noguera cites research and his own personal experience—as a minority, a father, and an educator—to explore the myriad ways that young black and Hispanic males are expected to run afoul of middle-class American norms and often do. He argues that public schools, despite their abysmal record, are the only institutions with the access and resources to turn around troubling social trends. He points to research comparing the disciplinary tactics of public schools and prisons, institutions that have far too much in common with so many male minority students dropping out of schools and landing in prison. A thoughtful look at issues of race and educational equity. --Vanessa Bush --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Influenced by culture and aware of the lack of prospects for them,black boys in particular, but minority students of all kinds, make the kinds of poor choices that fulfill the low expectations of their teachers and the broader society. Education professor Noguera examinesthe cultural, societal--and personal--factors that create the stubborn link between race and poverty. In this compelling series of essays, Noguera cites research and his own personal experience--as a minority, a father, and an educator--to explore the myriad ways that young black and Hispanic males are expected to run afoul of middle-class American norms and often do. He argues that public schools, despite their abysmal record, are the only institutions with the access and resources to turn around troubling social trends. He points to research comparing the disciplinary tactics of public schools and prisons, institutions that have far too much in common with so many male minority students dropping out of schools and landing in prison. A thoughtful look at issues of race and educational equity.—Vanessa Bush (Booklist Review, May 8, 2008)

“Explores strategies that can change the culture and structure of schools to support the aspirations and identities of minority students.”—N.N. Arnez, emeritus, Howard University Recommended --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470452080
• ISBN-13: 978-0470452080
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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