Educating Urban African American Children Placed At Risk: A Comparison of Two Types of Catholic Middle Schools

The Benefits of Attending Catholic Schools: A Look at the Academic-Achievement of African-American Boys in Elementary School

“…In addition, the results from this study supported previous research findings that suggest that academic achievement is related to school climate (York, 1996;Fenzel & Domingues, 2009;COSEBOC, 2013;Barbarin, et al, 2014). The findings suggest that when children enjoy school, they tend to have better academic outcomes (Fenzel & Domingues, 2009;Harris & Graves, 2010). Moreover, the strong correlation between parents and guardians being contacted when children exhibit very good school work and a moderate correlation when children exhibit behavior problems and are contacted for problems with their school work suggests that it may be the act of "contacting" the parent, and the parent's engagement that has a positive effect on the academic outcomes of African-American boys in elementary school.…”

“…It may very well be that because parents must pay for their children to attend Catholic school being unemployed would pose a hardship, making it difficult for them to pay the tuition, therefore making it impossible for their child to continue to attend the school. In addition, the results from this study supported previous research findings that suggest that academic achievement is related to school climate (York, 1996;Fenzel & Domingues, 2009;COSEBOC, 2013;Barbarin, et al, 2014). The findings suggest that when children enjoy school, they tend to have better academic outcomes (Fenzel & Domingues, 2009;Harris & Graves, 2010).…”

“…Catholic schools have been successfully educating African-American youth since the 1800s (Chineworth, 1996). While studies have demonstrated differences across Catholic schools in academic preparation (Fenzel & Domingues, 2009), Catholic schools nevertheless have overall provided a better foundation for low-income minority students than other alternatives (Keith & Page, 1985;Fenzel & Dominguez, 2009). While many models have tried to emulate Catholic schools in providing smaller classes and better quality school climates, differences nevertheless remain (Covey, 1992).…”

“…That being said, religious institutions have proven to be a strength for the African-American community, often leading to positive outcomes, the question that arises is whether Catholic elementary school will lead to higher academic achievement for African-American boys? (Fenzel & Monteith, 2008;Fenzel & Domingues, 2009). Moreover, few studies, if any, have addressed the relationship between attending Catholic elementary schools and the academic achievement of African-American boys.…”

Perspectives of Urban School Principals From Nontraditional Contexts: A Study of Urban Public Charter and Private School Leaders

“…Nativity-Miguel Schools, and more recently, Cristo Rey schools, are often sponsored by Catholic institutions of higher education or religious communities and continue to open in urban areas across the country. Along with the more traditional Catholic schools that continue to operate, there are currently around 100 of these newer schools in operation in the United States and the numbers continue to grow each year (Fenzel & Domingues, 2009).…”