A Positive Lens: What works best for African American male high school completion? (2015)

Undergraduate: Jessica Hockham

Faculty Advisor: Patrick Akos
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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Dropping out of high school is correlated with many negative consequences, including future low SES and increased incarceration rates. Previous research by Rashid (2009) has shown that African American males graduate at a disproportionately lower rate than their female counterparts or individuals of other races. Scott, Taylor and Palmer (2013) suggest that high suspension rates, high teacher turnover, low educational expectations and lack of family support are correlated with increased dropout rates for African American males. Prior research on African American male dropout rates has been primarily focused; there is very little research on what factors are most helpful for African American males to successfully graduate from high school. This research analyzes public data for correlations between low African American male dropout rates and school factors such as discipline procedures, type of school and number of students. By focusing on protective factors, the results of this study suggest areas to optimize in order to increase African American male graduation rates.