Alarming Statistics on Young Black Male Educational Performance

A new report from the Council of the Great City Schools shows some alarming statistics on the poor educational performance of young black males. The study found that only 12 percent of black males in the fourth grade were proficient in reading compared to 38 percent of same-age white males. In mathematics, 12 percent of black males in the eighth grade were rated proficient compared to 44 percent of white males.

Poverty is not solely to blame for the alarming statistics. The study shows that black males who are not eligible for the free lunch programs are doing about the same as white males from poor families.

The report, entitled A Call for Change, can be downloaded by clicking here.