Afrocentric or culturally relevant curriculum: Improving the high school experience of African American males

Many African American males are struggling to achieve academically in traditional urban school environments. The research sought to determine whether Afrocentric and culturally relevant curricula increased the self-esteem and academic achievement of African-American urban male students. The literature reviewed contained information on various subgroups and high schools, and the impacts that Afrocentric and culturally relevant methodology had on students. It also highlighted instructional strategies employed by administrators and educators during development and implementation stages. The study used a qualitative case study research methodology. The research instruments were open-ended questions presented in face-to-face and focus group sessions that gathered information from school leaders, teachers, and African American male students in two schools located in the East Coast region of the United States. The interviewees consisted of two school leaders, 10 teachers, and 10 ninth grade African American male high school students. The research findings showed evidence of substantial improvements in a variety of educational outcomes for African American urban male students who attended schools with an Afrocentric or culturally relevant structure. The research further suggested a growing number of urban educators and parents are adopting and successfully implementing Afrocentric platforms to achieve improved academic outcomes for all students. The recommendations that emerged were that the school leadership of high schools that implement Afrocentric or culturally relevant structures should work closely with the entire faculty, student body, and community to create a climate and culture of high expectations for school stakeholders. If the entire community works together to implement Afrocentric and culturally relevant practices, there will be positive educational outcomes for students and especially African American males.