Developing positive self-images and self-discipline is a prerequisite for the effective education of African American children. The following factors have had a negative influence on their development: (1) chronic unemployment and underemployment; (2) the changing concept of childhood; (3) elitism; (4) low expectations; (5) lack of commitment to educating all children; and (6) misuse of achievement tests to label and place students. The following institutions should strive to emphasize African images that are instrumental in developing self-esteem in African American children: (1) the home; (2) the peer group; (3) television; (4) the school; and (5) the church. The following are major hindrances to the education of African American children: (1) the banking approach; (2) the certainty principle; (3) grades; (4) rote learning; and (5) the word approach to reading. An effective curriculum must acknowledge that African American children have a higher verve, are relational in their thought processes, and are more oral in cognition than Whites. Developing self-discipline requires adult consistency and positive reinforcement of good behavior. Parents are the first and primary educators, and the parent-child relationship is the key to supplemental nurturance and high expectations. Each of six chapters includes a list of suggested questions, exercises, and projects. A list of 88 references is appended. (FMW)