Surmounting the Odds

This volume, part of the Research on African American Education series, explores critical issues affecting African American youth's education, emphasizing both internal and external factors that influence their schooling experiences.

Surmounting the Odds is part of the Research on African American Education series and is structured into three main sections: teaching, learning, and school achievement; the political context of schools; and post-secondary education. This annual volume aims to address significant issues affecting the education of African American youth, spanning from early education to higher learning. The series not only focuses on the academic generation of knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of sharing this knowledge with broader audiences.

The authors challenge conventional assumptions surrounding African American education and seek to analyze both the intended and unintended consequences of these beliefs. By employing a multi-disciplinary approach, the book incorporates insights from various fields, including law, political science, history, sociology, education, economics, public health, and psychology. This diverse perspective aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the education of African American students.

While the internal dynamics of schools are crucial to understanding the education of African Americans, the book also highlights the significance of external factors that can either hinder or facilitate educational progress. By focusing on the intersection of race and schooling, Surmounting the Odds provides both analytical and policy-oriented perspectives. The goal is to identify the elements that enhance or diminish the life chances and opportunities available to African American youth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable educational landscape.