This study investigated the mathematics and racial identities of Black 5th through 7th grade boys who attended school in a southern rural school division and found four factors that positively contributed to mathematics identity. For these boys, racial identity in school was connected to perceptions of others' school engagement; this sense of "otherness" led to a redefinition of their own mathematics and racial identities.
- The students in this study found that fluency with basic computational strategies was a significant characteristic for mathematics achievement.
- Grades, standardized test scores, and other extrinsic recognitions provided proof of mathematical success and contributed to mathematical identities.
- The boys in the study used negative stereotypes of black students to redefine their own racial and mathematics identities, recognizing important attributes in themselves.
- Mathematics should not be simplified or dumbed-down but rather teachers should hold high expectations for their students to solve challenging and complex problems.
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- Copyright 2011 by Journal of African American Males in Education. All rights reserved.
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