Do Black and White Students Benefit From Racial Socialization? School Racial Socialization, School Climate, and Youth Academic Performance During Early Adolescence. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Ming-Te; Henry, Daphne A.; Del Toro, Juan
• Is Part Of: American educational research journal. Volume 60:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 405
• Page End: 444
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: school climate -- diversity -- racial disparity -- racial socialization -- racial equity; Education -- United States -- Periodicals; Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; 370.97305
• DOI: 10.3102/00028312221134771
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-8312

Abstract

With racial inequalities plaguing the U.S. school system, educators have recognized the importance of establishing inclusive, equitable, and diverse school environments where students from different ethnic-racial backgrounds can feel respected and supported. This study examined the longitudinal links between adolescents' experiences of school racial socialization, school climate perceptions, and academic performance and tested whether these links varied by race (n = 941; 54% boys; 63% Black, 37% White). Results revealed that adolescents' experience of school racial socialization practices (i.e., cultural socialization and promotion of cultural competence) predicted positive changes in their perceptions of school climate and, in turn, promoted better academic performance. School racial socialization was linked to positive school experiences and achievement for both Black and White adolescents.