The Black Student's Guide to High School Success

(Hardback)

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Description

The only book designed and written specifically for African American junior high and high school students, this step-by-step guide provides much needed strategies, tactics, and tools to help them create successful educational careers in school. From the editor and publisher of the highly acclaimed Black Student's Guide to College Success (1993, revised ed. 1995), this guide contains contributed essays by fifteen educators (many from historically black colleges), supplemented by success stories of contemporary black high school students. It will help students to make informed choices, to deal with the challenges and obstacles to high school success both in and out of the classroom, and to complete their high school education. Each essay deals with a specific topic of concern to black high school students and is designed to motivate them to make intelligent choices about their education and their future and to develop pride and self-esteem. Following a Foreword by L. Douglas Wilder, former Governor of Virginia, and a Preface by Richard Arrington Jr., Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, the guide features fifteen informative essays, geared to the needs of the black student entering high school, written in a conversational manner to which students can relate. Each essay is written by a successful professional or educator in that field and is followed by a short essay by a black high school student on his or her personal experience in overcoming obstacles to succeed in high school. Essays address these topics: selecting a high school; planning for the future; the politics of high schools; opportunities for success in the classroom; study habits and hints; athletics; extracurricular activities; leadership in and out of the classroom; making the smart choicesaying no to drugs, alcohol, crime, and pregnancy; choosing your friends; black pride and self-esteem; getting involved in the black community and churches; networking in an integrated society; the benefits of part-time work; and the career huntfurther education or the work force. This informative and motivational guide, designed specifically for African American students, will help them, their parents, teachers, and guidance counselors to address issues facing black students in order for the students to successfully complete their high school education.

Reviews

Short, pithy articles from successful African-American educators cover the essentials for student success. From the first article on selecting the right school to the last on finding the right career, these selections cover student's fears, concerns, and questions. The highly readable book can be read in one sitting or in short sessions. Also included are pieces by successful students 'telling it like it is.' Best chapters are those that detail methods students can follow for success, including one written by a librarian who covers information skills.... Other topics that are well handled include choosing friends, peer relations and leadership, and learning to integrate with other cultures. This attractive book will be useful for junior and senior high school students who are serious about being successful in school.... Highly recommended.-The Book Report
"Short, pithy articles from successful African-American educators cover the essentials for student success. From the first article on selecting the right school to the last on finding the right career, these selections cover student's fears, concerns, and questions. The highly readable book can be read in one sitting or in short sessions. Also included are pieces by successful students 'telling it like it is.' Best chapters are those that detail methods students can follow for success, including one written by a librarian who covers information skills.... Other topics that are well handled include choosing friends, peer relations and leadership, and learning to integrate with other cultures. This attractive book will be useful for junior and senior high school students who are serious about being successful in school.... Highly recommended."-The Book Report

Author Bio

WILLLIAM J. EKELER is editor of The Black Student's Guide to College Success (revised ed., 1995) and coeditor of the original edition (1993). A graduate of the University of Nebraska, he received a Master's degree in Education in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University. He also was director of student leadership activities at Radcliffe College. He is currently Director of Purchasing at Overland Products in Fremont, Nebraska.