The Trouble With Black Boys

For many years to come, race will continue to be a source of controversy and conflict in American society. For many of us it will continue to shape where we live, pray, go to school, and socialize. We cannot simply wish away the existence of race or racism, but we can take steps to lessen the ways in which the categories trap and confine us. Educators, who should be committed to helping young people realize their intellectual potential as they make their way toward adulthood, have a responsibility to help them find ways to expand identities related to race so that they can experience the fullest possibility of all that they may become. In this brutally honest yet ultimately hopeful book Pedro Noguera examines the?many facets of?race?in schools and society and reveals what it will take to?improve outcomes for all students. From achievement gaps to immigration, Noguera offers a rich and compelling picture of a complex issue that affects all of us.

One of the nation s most important voices on the subject of equity and social justice in education, Noguera has never been afraid to take on the tough issues yet always offers reason for hope in the face of seemingly intractable challenges. This book pulls together his thoughts on a wide range of educational subjects from school improvement to school violence to racial politics. Noguera examines the link between racial identity and school related behavior, the significance of race in the racial achievement gap, and the educational future of Latino immigrants. He discusses the role of leaders in restoring public faith in education, recommends investing in the social capital of students and their parents, and ultimately proposes how to reclaim the promise of public education.