Visible Now

Since 1970 increasing percentages of Black students have enrolled in all types of private schools in diverse, though predominantly urban, regions of the nation. Since more than 90 percent of all Black students receive instruction in public schools, it is perhaps not surprising that researchers have paid scant attention to the educational status of the minority who have attended independently funded schools. The authors of this book present the first systematic treatment of the subject, looking at all aspects of the educational experiences of the Black children in private and parochial schools, and they explore the implications of private schooling for educational policy and future research. The editors' introduction provides an overview of the educational situation of Black children, focusing on the interface between the children, their families, and academic achievement in their schools. The organization of the volume reflects the diversity of private school types attended by Black children.Issues discussed are related to Black parent and student experiences in desegregated elite private schools, parochial schools, and predominantly Black private schools. The parental involvement in the schools is addressed as well as alternative types of organizational support systems for the Black students. Also discussed are the findings of recent research and information related to Educational Policy issues: research related to parental choice of private schooling, research on the racial coping strategies of parents of children in predominantly Black independent schools, educational policy issues and implications, for both private and public schools. The volume concludes with discussion of theoretical and research issues associated with the policy implications of their experiences for both public and private education.

?. . . This volume will be an invaluable source of information for a wide range of researchers and practitioners, helping them to construct a more detailed, fine-grained conception of children's and families' experiences in various types of private and public schools.?-Educational Horizons, ?Visible Now: Blacks in Private Schools is an examination of the diverse experiences of Black families and their children in independent and private schools. It contains essays by a variety of researchers, educators and parents. . . .?-Ebony, ?Visible Now: Blacks in Private Schools is an important step in filling a major void in the history of American education. . . . The most significant and useful sections of the book are the summaries of surveys on the concerns and expectations of black families and students as they pursue edcational opportunities of quality. . . . The surveys are supported by studies that provide rich information on the learning styles of black children. . . The authors provide very useful bibliographies at the end of each chapter, providing leads to other and more direct sources of information for those who wish to know more about specific areas of private schools.?-Independent Schools, ." . . This volume will be an invaluable source of information for a wide range of researchers and practitioners, helping them to construct a more detailed, fine-grained conception of children's and families' experiences in various types of private and public schools."-Educational Horizons, "Visible Now: Blacks in Private Schools is an examination of the diverse experiences of Black families and their children in independent and private schools. It contains essays by a variety of researchers, educators and parents. . . ."-Ebony

DIANA T. SLAUGHTER is Associate Professor of Education and Social Policy, in the Human Development and Social Policy Program, Northwestern University.DEBORAH J. JOHNSON is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.