The case studies reported in this article describe the experiences of two gifted African-American males in an urban high school, one an achiever and one an underachiever. Factors that distinguished the school-life experiences of the two gifted young men are identified and implications for fostering academic achievement are discussed. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the lives of six underachieving high-ability males in an inner-city high school to understand how their urban life experiences influenced their underachievement. Results found they experienced inappropriate curricular and counseling experiences, problematic family issues, a negative peer group and environmental influences, and…

A study of six talented males in an urban high school found they had a strong belief in self that was influenced by the following factors: relationships with supportive adults; involvement in extracurricular activities, sports, special programs, and summer school experiences; and family support. (Contains extensive references.) (Author/CR)

Studied high-ability, high-achieving students in an urban high school over 3 years. Identifies factors that enabled these students to achieve, including belief in self, supportive adults, high-achieving peers, challenging classes, personal characteristics, and family support. (SLD)

This article reviews the literature on high school athletics and the dynamics of athlete-coach relationships, describes the methodology of an ethnographic study of the culture of an inner-city high school swim team, and examines the characteristics and impact of one coach as he encouraged high academic achievement and talent development in his…