High School Graduation Rates of Black Students, Essay Example

Is there a difference in the high school graduation rates between black females and black males? Other question:  Which gender has the lower graduation rate?

Why does the originating question matter to me? Why does it matter to others?

The answers to these questions matter to the study of race and ethnic relations and to me, as a black student, because should it turn out that one gender has a significantly  lower graduation rate than the other,  then studies should be carried out to find out the reasons for this  so that constructive action can be taken.

The hypothesis would be—stated in question format—Is there a difference between the high school graduation rates of black females and black  males?  From the articles accompanying the instructions for this proposal, it is impossible to predict what the expectations of sociologists and other thinkers would be.  Perhaps not much information exists in this regard; and if so, this is a good reason for doing this study.  Shelby Steele does say though that six years after affirmative action there is still only a 20% high school graduation rate for blacks.

How will I find the answers to my questions? An empirical research carried out at my school that would enlist the help of the registrar to obtain from records of at least two years the number of black females and the number of black males who graduated from high school.  A brief literature review should be carried out as well for additional insight.

How will I define race for this study? African Americans will be considered as black.