Schofield, Janet Ward
Researchers: Janet Ward Schofield
University Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh
Email: schof@pitt.edu
Research Question:
Review of the literature on the impact of school desegregation. Focus on methodological and other problems that typify work in this area.
Published: 1
Journal Name or Institutional Affiliation: Macmillan
Journal Entry: Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education, Chapter 33, pp 597-616
Year: 1995
Findings:
- Desegregation has had modest, positive effect on the reading skills of young African Americans—math skills unaffected.
- Desegregation may have favorable but weak impact on adult outcomes (graduation from college, income, and employment patterns).
- The research on desegregation effects for intergroup relations are inconclusive and inconsistent—focused more on attitude changes than behavioral changes.
- There is some evidence for the reduction of racial isolation (housing and adult relationships). The method of implementation of desegregation plans influences the effects.
- The literature also shows that desegregation is most effective when implemented in the early elementary school years.
- There is little empirical evidence about the impact of desegregation on the academic achievement of Hispanic students. The data for Hispanics are consistent with data on African American achievement, finding either neutral or positive effects.