Adolescents: A Challenge to Pseudo Science.

Cognitive deficits in black and other minority children have been assumed, described, and then explained. In direct and indirect ways, the "evidence, " especially in the broad public domain has been mounting to suggest a genetic cause for discovered differences between racial groups on test of aptitude and achievement. It is the purpose of the paper to present an overview of this "conversation " and its implication,. to discuss a sample of relevant but often overlooked research, to present a slightly extended set of additional references in the bibliography, and to suggest directions for future research. The primary focus will be on research pertaining directly to the black child and adolescent. However, the points which are developed are relevant to the treatment accorded to any racial, or ethnic minority or economically powerless group. There are too many examples of black growth, often in the face of overwhelming odds, for us, to be satisfied any longer with a situation where national educational policy is overly influenced by excuse makers whose research is detached from significant reality and whose understanding of what it takes to help minority children grow is nil. There are people in this country who know how. It is from this group that educational policy. recommendations should be sought. It is this group which should be made more visible to the profession so that the new professional talent can see that there are exciting, productive alternatives to the despair which is suggested by many who ought to know better. (Author/JM