Download or read book College Preparation for African American Students written by Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt Bryant and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 17 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: College degree attainment is regarded as a primary solution to reduce poverty and close wealth gaps between people of color and whites in the United States. With the changing labor market and a more globalized economy, a far greater number of jobs require a postsecondary credential. More students must attend and complete college to keep pace with this employer demand. However, many African American young people graduate high school unprepared for the rigors of college. Much of the discussion about college readiness for African American students has centered on the deficiencies of students, families, and communities. Lack of academic achievement for African American students is often attributed to environmental and cultural differences that impact school performance (Stewart, 2007). However, equal focus must be given to deficiencies and disparities in school systems, particularly those with high-minority populations. Better understanding the differences in what low-minority and high-minority schools offer to students can provide a foundation for reforms that yield more college-ready students from all racial backgrounds. This paper highlights three primary educational issues of importance to college readiness: access to rigorous college preparatory courses, experienced teachers, and school counselors. It also highlights the tremendous disparity in access to these core elements between high-minority and low-minority schools. Finally, this paper suggests potential implications for future policymaking related to schools serving primarily African American students.