Correlates of the Underrepresentation of Black Students in Classes for Gifted Students

Disproportionate Representation of African Americans in Emotionally Handicapped Classes

“…A study on the disproportionate representation of African Americans in gifted classes indicates that African Americans are more likely to be discriminated against in districts where they represent a larger portion of the total enrollment (Serwatka et al, 1989). In possible contrast to these earlier results, the results of this study show a decline in the overrepresentation of African Americans in EH classes as African Americans constitute a larger percentage of the school population.…”

“…This conclusion is consistent with the findings of previous studies (Serwatka et al, 1989). Unfortunately, the literature suggests that there is an ongoing decline in the percentage of African Americans entering the teaching profession (Smith, 1987).…”

“…Although this predictor variable was found to be significantly related to the underrepresentation of African American students in gifted classes, consistent with the results of previous research studies (Serwatka et al, 1989), it did not prove to be significantly related to the overrepresentation of African American students in EH classes. These results remain unexplained.…”

Selling students short: Racial differences in teachers’ evaluations of high, average, and low performing students

“…Researchers have identified two additional issues specific to high-achieving and gifted minority students: access to academically advanced and gifted educational opportunities (Ford et al, 2001; Serwatka, Deering, and Stoddard, 1989) and underachievement (Ford, 1995; Kolb and Jussim, 1993). Regarding access, scholars find that minority students are not only underrepresented in gifted programs (Farkas, 2003; Ross et al, 1993), but are also systematically under-referred for these programs (Ford, 1995, 1998; Elhoweris et al, 2005; Saccuzzo, Johnson, and Guertin, 1994).…”

Identity Development of High‐Ability Black Collegians

“…Minority gifted students are likely to experience difficulties in school environments (Olszewski-Kubilius and Scott, 1992). Teachers and other school officials have been inadequate in identifying gifted minority students (Serwatka, Deering, and Stoddard, 1989). Influenced by larger social images of who makes up the intellectual elite, many have dismissed minorities outright.…”