This essay outlines how Black placemaking, a sociological framework used to study Black residents in urban contexts, might be used to study Black students' experiences at historically White institutions (HWIs) of higher education. Black placemaking engages with the intersection of Blackness, place, structure, and agency. The author argues that…

Throughout the 20th century, one of the central debates pertaining to postsecondary education has been about the concept of merit. Who deserves to go to college? The answer to that question goes to the heart of various policies that have been developed, changed, and debated. Perhaps no other policy has drawn more prominence and criticism than that…

Responds to a recent article in which Harry Miller criticizes the use of ethnographic or naturalistic methods in educational research. Reviews a number of ethnographic studies of schools, discusses the methodological rigor of such studies, and stresses the importance of information that can be gained through this type of research. (GC)

Discusses varied roles a qualitative researcher or ethnographer plays in the educational research process. Focuses on ways in which these different roles affect others' behavior in the presence of the ethnographers; how ethnographers interact; and how ethnographers interpret, analyze, and present data. (Author/MJL)

The overrepresentation of ethnic minority students, particularly African American males, in the exclusionary discipline consequences of suspension and expulsion has been consistently documented during the past three decades. Children of poverty and those with academic problems are also overrepresented in such discipline consequences. Sadly, a…

The urban university must directly respond to the special needs of the community in which it is located. The university should reflect its commitment to the city through its instructional programs, the interests of its faculty, the character of its student body, and the openness of its events and facilities to the public. (Author/GC)

Reviews teacher stress as it has been described in literature since the 1930s, and suggests that proposed solutions place too much responsibility on teacher attitudes and not enough on school environment and organization. (CJM)

Argues that the continued existence of predominantly Black institutions is educationally and sociologically justified, fiscally and politically feasible, and legally permissible. (Author/GC)

Soon after desegregation, teachers and administrators of an urban school may be unable to escape or effectively protest deteriorating conditions. Their response includes shifting blame in several ways, depending on one's position and power. Blame strategies do little to solve problems and may exacerbate them. (LHW)

Considers the spatial arrangements of public schools as culturally derived characteristics that reflect particular traditional expectations in regard to the learning process and teacher student interactions. Discusses fixed spatial arrangements as well as the territorial manipulation of school space by students. (GC)

Argues that school and community order and safety are inextricably bound together, and, therefore, an analysis of the epidemic of school crime and violence should include community factors. Presents data from elementary schools in Chicago (Illinois) as an example of this connectedness, and suggests public policy to improve school conditions. (JS)

Analyzes the moment-to-moment interaction between one marginalized Latina student and her teacher to illustrate how schooling practice can marginalize the linguistic, social, and cultural capital of a diverse student population. It argues that monologic, monocultural, and monolithic instruction paralyzes both students and teachers, limiting the…

In spite of the most adverse circumstances, some children manage to survive and even thrive, academically and socially, into adulthood. A complex array of individual, family, and community factors has been identified that best explains resilience and lays the foundation for programs and interventions targeted at fostering the development and…