Kunjufu, Jawanza

Offering information for use inside and outside of the classroom, this educational resource delineates how black males learn differently from other students and what can be done to most effectively reach them. Outlining the differences as both behavioral (attention span, aggression, maturation, energy level, and pressure from peers) and educational (verbal skills, organization, gross and fine motor skills, and reading interests) among others, this proposal provides real-world experiences alongside theories, making this an essential guide for educators, parents, counselors, psychologists, and others involved with black male adolescents. A section on how the majority of teachers, who are nonblack and female, can extend their education to overcome differences within the normal classroom setting, and help to reduce the number of black males in special education, is also provided.

Attempts to bridge the gap between school curriculum and hip hop culture, covering a wide range of topics related to hip hop and explaining how they can be incorporated into the classroom to enhance student learning.

Discusses the impact of peer pressure on the academic achievement of African-American students, and offers suggestions to students, parents, and teachers on how to improve the odds of success.

Suggests more than two hundred strategies for effectively teaching multicultural student populations and closing the achievement gap.

Examines the experiences of African-American male students in special education and explores the link between special education and future prison sentences.

This compelling look at the relationship between the majority of African American students and their teachers provides answers and solutions to the hard-hitting questions facing education in today's black and mixed-race communities. Are teachers prepared by their college education departments to teach African American children? Are schools designed for middle-class children and, if so, what are the implications for the 50 percent of African Americans who live below the poverty line? Is the major issue between teachers and students class or racial difference? Why do some of the lowest test scores come from classrooms where black educators are teaching black students? How can parents negotiate with schools to prevent having their children placed in special education programs? Also included are teaching techniques and a list of exemplary schools that are successfully educating African Americans.

Surveys the history and civilization of Africa and the culture and contributions of blacks both there and in America.