Challenges African American Students Face Analysis

869 Words2 Pages

he article highlight the challenges faced by African American students as it pertains to Twice-exceptionality which is a combination of both gifted and special education. African American students make up about 10% of the gifted education population, and over 35% of the special education population. The challenges they encounter are a result of the intersectionality of their disability, giftedness and race. These issues range from prejudice, to racism and discrimination.

Unfortunately, teachers have become too comfortable in referring African American students for special education services due to conflict with their personality, as well as misunderstanding in reference to the linguistic and cultural differences which are often looked at …show more content…

"When students are able to achieve a positive sense of self, they are more likely to be academically successful, despite the presence of the stereotype threat." (p.100) It is not very encouraging when African American students feel like an outcast because their culture is not incorporated into the curriculum. This can cause them to disassociate themselves from being African American to avoid stereotypical problems that they may have to face otherwise. The flip side to this is that their peers may try to imply that they are not proud of who they are and is trying to act …show more content…

She has great sense of rhythm and is very much body smart. A lot of people may get annoyed by her constant clapping, sound making and constant movement but I see it as a way of expression and her version of language and communication. With this exposure I realized how amazingly different and talented these kinds of children are. With that being said I would definitely say that this research heavily impacted me as to how to view children with disability and giftedness and wanting to learn more on the best way to teach such students effectively. I would use this information to highlight the possibilities of children with disabilities also being gifted or even finding a specific area in which they excel greatly to work with their strengths in hopes of gaining positive self esteem on the children's

Open Document