Synopses & Reviews
Praise for The Trouble with Black Boys"I needed this wise and richly resourced book forty years ago. Noguera's work and works have never been more critically needed. And not just for those teaching Black boys! It's a far larger issue—and needs to be addressed not only by schools."
—Deborah W. Meier, senior scholar and adjunct professor, Steinhardt School of Education, New York University and author, The Power of Their Ideas
"This hopeful, caring, and informative collection of essays contains research, theory, and wisdom that can help educators reform schools in ways that will actualize the aspirations, hopes, and dreams of one of the nation's most vulnerable populations—African American males. As is evident of every page of this needed, timely, and engaging book, reform that improves schools for African American males will increase educational equality for all students. This book demonstrates, once again, that Pedro Noguera is one of the nation's most eloquent, authoritative, compassionate, and forceful voices that speaks for our most neglected children and youth."
—James A. Banks, Kerry and Linda Killinger Professor of Diversity Studies and director, Center for Multicultural Education, University of Washington, Seattle
"Pedro Noguera has provided here an accessible account of the role race plays in the continuing disenfranchisement of students of color. These essays challenge educators to look at what we can do in schools rather than focus on factors out of our control. Once again Pedro Noguera has cut to the quick with his cogent analyses, research-based findings, and personal stories to change our minds and open our hearts to possibilities."
—Lisa Delpit, eminent scholar and executive director for the Center for Urban Education and Innovation, Florida International University
"Relying on extensive research as well as his own experience and keen insight, Pedro Noguera has developed a compelling answer to the question of how to turn around the frightening trajectory that young black men face in America. Noguera both unpacks the nature of the problem and offers concrete solutions that provide hope where too often there has been only despair. This book should be read by educators, parents, policymakers, and all others who are committed to equitable, successful education for all."
—Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommon Professor of Education and co-director of the School Redesign Network and the Stanford Educational Leadership Institute, Stanford University
Synopsis
The Trouble with Black BoysFor many years to come, race will continue to be a source of controversy and conflict in American society. For many of us it will continue to shape where we live, pray, go to school, and socialize. We cannot simply wish away the existence of race or racism, but we can take steps to lessen the ways in which the categories trap and confine us. Educators, who should be committed to helping young people realize their intellectual potential as they make their way toward adulthood, have a responsibility to help them find ways to expand identities related to race so that they can experience the fullest possibility of all that they may become. In this brutally honest—yet ultimately hopeful—book Pedro Noguera examines the?many facets of?race?in schools and society and reveals what it will take to?improve outcomes for all students. From achievement gaps to immigration, Noguera offers a rich and compelling picture of a complex issue that affects all of us.
One of the nation's most important voices on the subject of equity and social justice in education, Noguera has never been afraid to take on the tough issues—yet always offers reason for hope in the face of seemingly intractable challenges. This book pulls together his thoughts on a wide range of educational subjects—from school improvement to school violence to racial politics. Noguera examines the link between racial identity and school-related behavior, the significance of race in the racial achievement gap, and the educational future of Latino immigrants. He discusses the role of leaders in restoring public faith in education, recommends investing in the social capital of students and their parents, and ultimately proposes how to reclaim the promise of public education.
Synopsis
For many years to come, race will continue to be a source of controversy and conflict in American society. For many of us it will continue to shape where we live, pray, go to school, and socialize. We cannot simply wish away the existence of race or racism, but we can take steps to lessen the ways in which the categories trap and confine us. Educators, who should be committed to helping young people realize their intellectual potential as they make their way toward adulthood, have a responsibility to help them find ways to expand identities related to race so that they can experience the fullest possibility of all that they may become. In this brutally honest—yet ultimately hopeful— book Pedro Noguera examines the many facets of race in schools and society and reveals what it will take to improve outcomes for all students. From achievement gaps to immigration, Noguera offers a rich and compelling picture of a complex issue that affects all of us.
Synopsis
One of the leading voices on the subject of educational equity and social justice offers his thoughts on a wide range of topics--from school violence to immigration.
About the Author
Influenced by culture and aware of the lack of prospects for them,black boys in particular, but minority students of all kinds, make the kinds of poor choices that fulfill the low expectations of their teachers and the broader society. Education professor Noguera examinesthe cultural, societal--and personal--factors that create the stubborn link between race and poverty.
In this compelling series of essays, Noguera cites research and his own personal experience--as a minority, a father, and an educator--to explore the myriad ways that young black and Hispanic males are expected to run afoul of middle-class American norms and often do. He argues that public schools, despite their abysmal record, are the only institutions with the access and resources to turn around troubling social trends. He points to research comparing the disciplinary tactics of public schools and prisons, institutions that have far too much in common with so many male minority students dropping out of schools and landing in prison.
A thoughtful look at issues of race and educational equity.—Vanessa Bush (
Booklist Review, May 8, 2008)
“Explores strategies that can change the culture and structure of schools to support the aspirations and identities of minority students.”—N.N. Arnez, emeritus, Howard University Recommended
Table of Contents
The Author.
Introduction.
Part One: The Student Experience.
1. Joaquin’s Dilemma: Understanding the Link Between Racial Identity and School-Related Behaviors.
2. The Trouble with Black Boys: The Impact of Social and Cultural Forces on the Academic Achievement of African American Males.
3. And What Will Become of Children Like Miguel Fernández?/Y Qué Pasará Con Jóvenes Como Miguel Fernández? Education, Immigration, and the Future of Latinos in the United States.
4. How Listening to Students Can Help Schools to Improve.
Part Two: The Search for Equity.
5. Latino Youth: Immigration, Education, and the Future.
6. Preventing and Producing Violence: A Critical Analysis of Responses to School Violence.
7. Schools, Prisons, and Social Implications of Punishment: Rethinking Disciplinary Practices.
8. Racial Politics and the Elusive Quest for Excellence and Equity in Education.
Part Three: The Schools We Need.
9. Reclaiming the Promise of Public Education With Alan Blankstein.
10. Standards for What? Accountability for Whom? Rethinking Standards-Based Reform in Public Education.
11. Racial Isolation, Poverty, and the Limits of Local Control as a Means for Holding Public Schools Accountable.
12. Transforming Urban Schools Through Investments in Social Capital.
Notes and References.
Epilogue: Joaquin’s Dilemma Revisited.
Index.