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

Pedro A. Noguera (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2008 | ISBN-10: 078798874X | ISBN-13: 978-0787988746 | 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

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

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078798874X
• ISBN-13: 978-0787988746
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #789,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing challenge to the status quo, December 8, 2008

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C. Martinez (SF Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Trouble With Black Boys: ...And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education (Hardcover)

As a teacher at a continuation high school, I connected intensely with the realities and considerations Noguera presents in this book. He articulates the reality of Black and Latino youth in Berkeley schools, which resembles that of such youth in many other urban districts in America, without over-assuming or sensationalizing the issues. Confronted with conflicting images and perspectives on what they should become in life, these youth are caught in a conundrum. He addresses culture, social structures and educational agendas as he calls for schools to assume responsibility for ALL students' academic outcomes rather than expecting failure as an inevitable end for many.

Noguera demonstrates that the implications of this so-called "trouble" are far-reaching, including when he honestly shares the story of his son Joaquin. I especially appreciate his unique take on the issues as an accomplished academic, a former school board member and a parent. Overall, Noguera's passion is undeniable as he gives a voice to the voiceless in urban America.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secondary Principals Book Study, October 30, 2008

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M. Escobar - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Trouble With Black Boys: ...And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education (Hardcover)

This is a great book- in fact our Assistant Superintendent is using it this year for a book study with our Secondary (Middle & High School) Principals.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, April 9, 2010

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Curtis F. Lawrence Jr. "King Tut" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Trouble With Black Boys: ...And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education (Paperback)

Dr. Pedro Noguera is excellent. I have met him personally and have heard him speak several times. It is often difficult to take notes on the things he is saying on the impact of racism on Boys of color. This book captures all of that, so I now have all of the information at my fingertips. As a former Assistant Principal of an all-boys public high school in the Bronx, NY, I can appreciate this book.