Study Finds Black Students

Are Not Prepared For College,

Trail White Students

By Dismal Margin

September 9, 2011 

By: Shani K. Collins, Your Black World

 

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education recently reported a significant racial gap between Black and White students’ in their level of preparedness for the ACT.  Subsequent findings show that only 35 percent of Black high school students are prepared for English courses, compared to 77 percent of White students. The report also found that 54 percent of all White students were prepared for mathematics.  Black students were four times less prepared compared to their counterparts.

In addition, only 6 percent of Black students achieved benchmark scores in the area of science.  This finding is largely different from the 37 percent level of preparedness of White students.  The most alarming statistic found that only  4 percent of Black students were ready for college in all subject areas.  On the other hand, statistics showed that 37 percent of White students were prepared in all subject areas.

The results in ACT achievement between Black and White students were measured over a 5 year period.  The findings are baffling, and suggest the need for changes in the educational system.   A lack of preparedness for college can negatively influence the college retention and graduation rates among Black students.

Shani K. Collins is a freelance writer.  You may visit her at www.shanicollins.com