Expectancy value theory and African American student motivation

2018-04-09The purpose of this study was to examine African‐American students’ perceptions of their parents’ and guardians’ attitudes towards education and academic achievement at two urban school districts in Southern California. African‐American students and parents responded to statements about their personal values and expectations about education, as well as students’ perceptions of their parents’ and guardians’ beliefs toward education. The surveys’ results shed light on the complex relationships between messages students hear and beliefs they deemed were held by parents and guardians, and their effects on student expectation and aspirations. ❧ Forty‐nine high school students and parents responded to questions about their academic communication with one another, aspirations, expectations and aspirations. Students and parents responded to Likert‐scale survey items and short answer queries. Conclusions found that students’ beliefs about their primary caregivers’ beliefs have a great influence on their own values, expectations, and aspirations