Residential Segregation In Schools

Residential segregation has a profound effect on the quality of local academics. A study conducted, showed “families and schools in America’s inner cities and rural places simply lack many of the resources that promote educational achievement and attainment” (Roscigno, Tomaskovic-Devey, and Crowley 2006:2139). This lack of resources is caused by the low taxation of property based on the income level of its residents. This is a vicious cycle that continues to trap individuals and their families in these areas.

Segregation based on race has been occurring since slavery was abolished in the 19th century. There have been policies that explicitly state that non-white individuals cannot purchase homes in certain residential districts. These policies

The education level of the parent(s)/guardian(s), the development of educational identities and social capital all contribute to this choice. The development of educational identities is an important element in this process. An educational identity of an individual determines whether or not he or she values education as a valuable resource. The educational level of the parent can influence the viewpoint of this identity. The importance of education stems from “the formation of educational identities through experiences within educational institutions, which creates a tight association between providing a ‘good education’ for their children and maintaining integrity of self” (Sikkink and Emerson 2008: 272). Guardians who have a higher education have a greater chance to put an emphasis on academics than parents who have a poor

These outlooks can dictate the continuation of schooling for these individuals and through this create an achievement gap between minorities and whites. The ability groups in which students are split into during elementary and middle school does not show a significant affect on their achievement after high school in terms of college selection, however placement during early schooling does have an impact on the curriculum a student is taught, which can affect college selection and achievement (Moller, Strearns, Potochick, and Southworth 2011). Due to these achievement setbacks constructed by American society, minority populations are viewed in a negative light by white culture. White mainstream culture deems non-Asian minorities to be lazy and lack initiative (Brezina and Winder 2003). This perspective not only reinforces stereotypical prejudices, but also does not direct focus on the racial inequalities minorities face in the educational system. Contrary to the belief that black students are lazy and lack the desire to achieve academically, they desire to do well in school (Tyson, Darity, and Castellino