Desegregation and Black Achievement: A Review of the Research

  • Forty studies find positive effects of desegregation for black achievement.
  • Twelve show a negative effect.
  • The achievement gains are small, compared to the size of the Black-White achievement gap.
  • The review discusses methodological issues in the research (ex. experiments are difficult to execute, voluntary plans create self-selection problem).
  • The review identifies factors which influence the success of desegregation plans (region of the country, grade level at which desegregation first occurs, curriculum factors, and type of desegregation plan).
  • Desegregation has more positive impacts the earlier it is implemented.
  • Effects of desegregation for achievement have been inconsistent.
  • The average gain in achievement on the studies for which the authors coded quantitative data is one-half a grade change in the first one or two years. Each desegregation case is different and identical results should not be expected.
  • Desegregation has improved achievement for Black students by closing inadequate segregated schools.