“Doing well in spite of the school”: How African American Students Perceive Achievement, Engagement, and School Climate in the Aftermath of California’s Local Control Funding Formula

Authors

Angela Clark Louque, California State University - San BernardinoFollow
Wil Greer, California State University, San BernardinoFollow
April Clay, Clay SolutionsFollow
Ayanna Balogun, University of RedlandsFollow

Keywords

African American students, Local Control Funding Formula, Local Control and Accountability Plan, Achievement, Engagement, School Climate

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore urban African American students’ school experiences based on the aftermath of California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), focusing on achievement, engagement, and school climate. Survey data and focus groups of 62 participants were analyzed using chi-square, multiple regression, and an iterative process. Findings suggest that students desire information regarding honors courses, stronger teacher/student relationships, and fairer discipline treatment. Effective strategies and practices are recommended including the LCFF’s revisions to have specific goals for African American students.

Author Statement

Dr. Angela Clark-Louque is Professor and Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Technology at California State University, San Bernardino. Her most recent co-authored publications include “Untapped Resources: Black Parent Engagement that Contributes to Learning” in The Journal of Negro Education (2016) and “Cultural Capital in the Village: The Role African-American Families Play in the Education of Children” (2014) in the Multicultural Education Journal.

Recommended Citation

Clark Louque, Angela; Greer, Wil; Clay, April; and Balogun, Ayanna (2017) "“Doing well in spite of the school”: How African American Students Perceive Achievement, Engagement, and School Climate in the Aftermath of California’s Local Control Funding Formula," Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice: Vol. 7: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/wie/vol7/iss2/1