A Call for Change: The Social and Educational Factors Contributing to the Outcomes of Black Males in Urban Schools

The Council of the Great City Schools is a coalition of 65 of the country's biggest urban school systems. Educating nearly 30 percent of the country's African-American males, urban schools are vital to black male achievement. This study draws attention to new analyses of disaggregated education data, profiles black males who have achieved academic success, and provides a plan of action moving forward.

• At least 50 percent of 4th and 8th grade black males in most Trial Urban District Assessment districts and nationwide scored below basic levels on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Tweet
• In 2008, Advanced Placement test takers were approximately 60 percent white, 15 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Asian, and 8 percent black. Tweet
• In 2008, black males who graduated from college were more likely to earn their bachelors degrees in business than anything else (about 30 percent). Tweet
• Future plans of the Council include: convening a panel of leaders to serve as a governing board and identify critical barriers to educating black males, identifying scholars to write on solutions and recommendations that would be reviewed by urban school staff, and convening a major conference to discuss direction before urging the Council's board to move forward on recommendations. Tweet
• Recommendations include: convening a White House conference on the status of black males, marshalling the energies and commitment of national and local organizations, and encouraging school district leaders to better target their instruction and afterschool programs to address needs of black males. Tweet