VOICES IN THE HALL: A BLACK MALE STUDENT CENTERED EXAMINATION OF ENGAGEMENT IN AN URBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ART CLASS

Abstract

This study examined the experiences and perceptions of black male middle school students in an urban visual art class. Black male students have endured unequal educational outcomes such as dropping out of school at a higher rate than many of their peers of other races (NCES, 2013). Previous studies have shown that many students who have considered leaving school cite a lack of engagement in the education setting as one of the key reasons they attend school less and may eventually drop out (Yazzie-Mintz, 2010; Fredricks J. A., Blumenfeld, Friedel, & Paris, 2005). Research has also shown a correlation between high school dropout rates and student performance, attendance, and engagement in 8th grade (English, 2007; Yazzie-Mintz, 2010). Increased levels of engagement have also been shown to lead to improvements in student attendance, behavior and academic outcomes (Finn & Rock, 1997; Marks, 2000; Willingham, Pollack, & Lewis, 2002). The arts have long been seen as areas of study in which students show indications of increased engagement. The present study will add to this body of research by examining how black male students experience the art classroom and how such classes impact their overall sense of engagement. Data gathered for this study includes observations of student behaviors and interactions in their art classes. Five black male 8th grade students comprised the key study participants. Interviews were formulated to gain background information and to ascertain how the observed classroom setting was perceived from these students’ perspectives. Additional data was gathered from teacher interviews. This data provided a context for student analyzing perspectives. The literature for this study helped to explain the role engagement plays in educational outcomes, observable measures of engagement, the value of an increased emphasis on the arts for middle school students, discernible practices that differentiate arts classrooms from other classes, and the processes through which students make meaning of their experiences.