What Success Looks Like: Increasing High School Graduation Rates among Males of Color

Black males have the lowest graduation rates in the country, are suspended and referred to special education classes at higher rates, and make up nearly a third of the American prison population. This book provides a 10-step method that has raised the four-year graduation rate for Black males to 84% and the five-year rate to 90% in the Buffalo (New York) high school. The strategies have been deployed throughout New York State and are now being advised to schools nationally.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Black males in the United States face significant challenges in achieving academic success, with the lowest graduation rates among any population. According to statistics, only 59% of Black males graduate from high school, while they are suspended and referred to special education classes at rates three times higher than any other group. Despite making up just 6% of the US population, Black males account for nearly a third of the American prison population. The graduation gap between White and Black males is currently 21% and continues to grow.

Despite the efforts of federal, state, and local programs aimed at addressing this crisis, the problem persists. This book presents a 10-step method that was developed and successfully implemented in a high school in Buffalo, New York. The author, who served as the principal of that school, witnessed a remarkable increase in the four-year and five-year graduation rates for Black males.

The program implemented in Buffalo focused on several key strategies, including:

Building strong relationships with students and families: The author emphasized the importance of creating a positive school culture that promotes trust and respect between students, staff, and parents.

Providing personalized support and intervention: The school identified students who were at risk of dropping out and provided them with personalized support, such as tutoring, counseling, and mentoring.

Implementing evidence-based teaching practices: The school focused on teaching practices that have been proven to improve student outcomes, such as small group instruction, hands-on learning, and culturally responsive teaching.

Fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion: The school worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

The success of the program in Buffalo has been replicated in other schools throughout New York State. The author is now advising schools nationally, sharing the strategies and techniques that have led to significant improvements in the academic success of Black males.

This book is a valuable resource for secondary and middle school principals who are committed to transforming their schools and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to a high-quality education. The strategies presented in this book are based on evidence-based practices and have been proven to work in diverse settings.

In conclusion, Black males in the United States face significant challenges in achieving academic success. However, the 10-step method developed and deployed in a high school in Buffalo, New York, has shown promising results in improving the graduation rates of Black males. By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of support and inclusion, principals can make a difference and turn their schools around. This book provides valuable insights and practical strategies for principals who are committed to ensuring the academic success of all students.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 227 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475861075