However, a closer examination of the data indicates that Black males are at greatest risk. The overall mean achievement scores for Black male students are below those of other groups in the basic subject areas. Black males are much more likely to be placed in classes for the educable mentally retarded and for students with learning disabilities than in gifted and talented classes. Black males are far more likely to be placed in general education and vocational high school curricular tracks than in an academic track. Black males are suspended from school more frequently and for longer periods of time than other student groups.
Black females complete high school at higher rates than Black males.
Such data are compounded by the fact that Black males are frequently the victims of negative attitudes and lowered expectations from teachers, counselors, and administrators. Frustration, underachievement or ultimate failure, therefore, often comprise the contemporary educational reality for scores of Black male youth. It is evident that Black males from kindergarten through high school tend to experience significant alienation from America's schools. The consequences of this are major limitations on socioeconomic mobility, ultimately leading to high rates of unemployment, crime, and incarceration for massive numbers of young Black men. As individuals progress through the life stages, they must achieve a series of developmental tasks.