Perceptions of school principals: Desegregation in the Black Belt Region of Alabama and its influence on K--12 public schools

Over the past century, the Black Belt Region of Alabama has generated particular national interest because of its high percentage of Black residents living in one of the most socio-economically depressed regions in the nation. This region also generated considerable attention after the Brown v. Board of Education mandates as local Boards of Education violated the Brown rulings and continued the operation of poorly funded and inadequate education systems for Blacks. Fifty years after the Brown decisions, the Black Belt Action Commission sought to rectify systemic problems linked to years of under-educating Black children in the region. To adequately meet the educational needs of students in this poverty stricken region, principals must evaluate the internal and external conditions of their school environment, both current and past.;The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of school principals regarding the influence desegregation has had on K-12 public schools in the Black Belt Region. This study also investigated the extent to which principals' perceptions regarding desegregation were related to principals' demographics. Respondents in this study included 44 K-12 public school principals in Alabama's Black Belt. A survey was used to collect data regarding: (a) Students, (b) Teachers, (c) Resources & Facilities, (d) the status of Segregation & Desegregation in the region, and (e) Benefits, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Desegregation. The study found that a significant relationship exists between the principals' age, years of experience in administration, and years of experience in the Black Belt. Also, the study found that principals believe that all students have the ability to achieve academically regardless of their racial environment; and a majority of principals did not believe that students in the Black Belt had access to the same resources as other districts, nor did their districts receive equitable funding or have the resources and facilities necessary to meet the needs of its students.;Finally, this study offered recommendations for practice, policymakers, and further research that will aide schools systems throughout the Alabama Black Belt Region in addressing the needs of its students. Also, the study found that additional state and federal funding will help schools to address the needs of students living in a low socio-economic environment.