No Racial Gap Seen In Students' School Outlook

By Catherine Gewertz

African-American and Hispanic adolescents care about succeeding in school as much as their white and Asian peers, and work hard to do so, a new survey shows. The findings contradict the view that some groups of minority students are less academically driven than others.

The report, scheduled for release this week, examines racial patterns in the aspirations and motivations of middle and high school students, as well as their feelings toward teachers and the role that peer pressure plays in their academic aspirations. It also examines their schoolwork comprehension and homework habits.

The survey found little racial difference in students' desire to excel in school. But African-American and Hispanic students reported that they understand their classroom work and complete homework less often than do their white or Asian peers. Black and Hispanic students also reported that teachers' encouragement provides greater motivation to work hard...