Educating African American Students Foundations, Curriculum, and Experiences

Using a combination of case studies and research, the contributors of this timely book highlight some of the significant issues-historical, curricular, and societal-that have led to African American students having a proportionally larger representation in special education classes, higher drop-out rates, and more incidences of in-school, race-on-race violence. The contributors draw from critical pedagogy, multicultural education, and the Afrocentric canon to critique the American educational system. Educating African American Students examines historical issues that are significant for understanding the current state of affairs for African American education; addresses problems and issues in social studies education, mathematics education, and the overrepresentation of African American males in special education; and poignantly illuminates the necessity for renewed activism by telling the stories of African American children and their schooling experiences. Book jacket.

Abul Pitre is the former Carter G. Woodson Professor of Education of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Currently, he is an associate professor of educational leadership at Fayetteville State University where he teaches doctoral courses in educational leadership. Esrom Pitre is an associate principal at Donaldsonville High School. His areas of research are African American males in special education and multicultural education with a focus on racial issues as they relate to African American students. Ruth Ray is the department chair at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, where she teaches courses in educational leadership. Her major research interest is the impact of zero tolerance policy on African American students. Twana Hilton-Pitre is the director of field experience at Louisiana State University, Shreveport. Her areas of expertise include counseling, multicultural education, and elementary education.