Respond to: Understanding the Link between Racial Identity and School-Related Behaviors

For me, it is a shock to learn that black (African-American) adolescents are living in such a life of uncertainty. And out of my expectation, the living environment, especially the aspects of sociocultural, political and educational, needs to bear the responsibilities on putting them in this unfavorable and struggling situation.
My own experience resonates with the author’s view that schools play a significant role in influencing black students’ academic performance and behaviors. My very first encounter with black students happened six years ago, when I was a Chinese teacher working in an international school in Hong Kong. Although Asian students dominate the population. They are certainly not being regarded as superior. And surprisingly, most black students are apt at learning Mandarin. With some hard work, they can even produce native-live pronunciation. It is definitely not uncommon to see black students surpass Asians who are new to Mandarin. They are encouraged to take Chinese exams in the coming future. They are also invited to take part in the Chinese new year performance. Literally, they shine in school. I have never ever noticed something as “achievement gap”. Without a doubt, all educators share the same responsibility to give all students the same positive learning and growing opportunities.