Breaking Barriers: Plotting the Path to Academic Success for School-Age African-American Males

Using four national surveys, this study explores relationships between the academic success of African-American males and a host of variables -- personal and emotional factors, family factors, social and environmental factors, and school factors. Overall, the research points to the benefits of education policies that promote "healthy, safe and supportive learning environments."

• Academic success is more strongly dependent on emotional well-being for African-American males than it is for African-American females. Tweet
• Father's education had a significant effect on academic success of black males, while mother's education did not. Tweet
• Of the social and environmental factors studied, school-based activities (especially sports) had the largest effect on academic success. Tweet
• Students with low reported academic achievement were more likely than others to carry a gun or feel unsafe in school. Tweet