Environmental Impacts on Educational Success of Black Students Essay

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SHORTENED TITLE IN ALL CAPS CANDIDACY PAPER DRAFT 15Candidacy Paper DraftTimothy R. FaustCollege of EducationJuly 31, 2024Running head: CANDIDACY PAPER DRAFT 1Geographic Determinants of Educational Attainment: Examining the Academic Trajectories of Young Black Males in ChicagoAbstractThis research study focuses on how the geographical location within Chicago influences academic and life outcomes for young Black males. The study is informed by initial findings (Hackett et al., 2018) that suggest significant disparities based on location—North, South, and West sides of Chicago. This research integrates qualitative data from school principals from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) (North: Taft High School, Lakeview High School; South:Corliss High School, Julian High School; West: Wells High School, Collins High School) aiming to explore systemic factors that contribute to these disparities.IntroductionHistorical Context and Systemic IssuesHistorical ContextChicago has long been recognized as one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States. This segregation is not a relic of the past but continues to profoundly shape the socio-economic and educational landscapes of the city. The historical roots of this segregation can be traced back to discriminatory practices such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and urban renewal policies that systematically marginalized Black communities. These practices have created enduring divides that influence the quality of education and life opportunities available to residents of different neighborhoods.Systemic Issues: Prison-to-School PipelineA critical systemic issue impacting young Black males in Chicago is the prison-to-school pipeline. This phenomenon describes the alarming trend where students, particularly those from marginalized communities, are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Contributing factors include zero-tolerance policies, inadequate educational resources, and a lack of supportive services within schools. These policies disproportionately affect Black students, exacerbating the challenges they face and perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.Chicago Public Schools Black Student Success InitiativeIn response to these longstanding issues, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has implemented the Black Student Success Initiative. This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan aimed at improving educational outcomes for Black students across the district. The plan outlines strategies to address disparities in academic achievement, access to advanced coursework, and school discipline. It emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive teaching, increased access to mental health services, and enhanced family and community engagement. (Chicago Public Schools [CPS], n.d.)Young Black males in Chicago encounter significant disparities in their education, including differential access to quality schooling and resources. These disparities are compounded by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited healthcare, which negatively affect their academic preparedness and success. These educational gaps are a direct result of long-standing policies and systemic biases that have historically marginalized Black communities, creating an environment that restricts their educational and socioeconomic advancement.Problem StatementEducational inequities in Chicago are stark, especially affecting young Black males who face a disproportionate challenge in impoverished neighborhoods. The city\'s educational system is influenced by deep-seated racial and economic segregation and presents a critical area of study to understand how location-specific variables, such as economic resources, school funding, and neighborhood safety, influence educational access and achievement. Such variables affect educational experiences (just as the social determinants of health affect people’s health) because they directly influence the quality of education students receive.

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Economic resources determine the level of funding available for schools, affecting the availability of educational materials, technology, extracurricular activities, resources, and qualified teaching staff. School funding is often tied to local property taxes, which contributes to disparities in resources between schools in affluent neighborhoods and those in economically disadvantaged areas. For example, schools like Taft and Lakeview on the North Side may receive more funding compared to schools like Corliss and Julian on the South Side, resulting…

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…receive less funding due to property tax-based funding formulas, resulting in fewer resources, larger class sizes, and outdated facilities (Green III et al., 2020). Higher teacher turnover rates and a lack of experienced educators in these schools further impede the academic progress of Black students (Darling-Hammond, 2010; Gibson, 2017). Increased exposure to violence, poverty, and limited healthcare services creates additional barriers to learning and development (Morsy & Rothstein, 2019; Sharkey, 2013). All of this points to the fact that environments matter and that the social determinants of educational outcomes are just as important here as they are in the field of community health.There may also be an element of cultural mismatch and institutional biases present in predominantly Black schools. Ferguson (2000) discusses how Black male students are often perceived and treated through a lens of bias and stereotyping, which can hinder their academic engagement and success. The cultural disconnect between predominantly White teaching staff and Black male students can lead to misunderstandings and disciplinary actions that disproportionately affect Black males, contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline phenomenon. The psychological and social implications of segregation are also a focal point of this theme. For example, Steele (1997) shows how stereotype threat and low expectations can negatively impact the academic performance of Black male students. The constant exposure to low expectations and negative stereotypes can lead to internalized oppression, reducing students\' self-esteem and academic aspirations.Through assessment of the intersections of race and environment, this theme supports the study’s approach to developing targeted educational strategies that address these complex, layered challenges. Understanding the intersection of CRT and Ecological Systems Theory is helpful for developing targeted educational strategies. This comprehensive analysis not only deepens the understanding of the ecological factors influencing education but also aligns with Critical Race Theory to reveal the embedded inequalities that these….....

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