The Role of Ethnic identity related to their school attitudes, self-concept, and academic achievement

Balanced research and practice

Both social identity theory and developmental theory indicate that a stronger or more committed ethnic identity would be associated positively with psychological well-being, academic achievement, academic attainment, and psychological well-being (Herrington, 2014; Roberts, etc., 1999). This session examines associations of students’ ethnicity, general self-concept, attitudes in schools, and their academic performance. Also, this session introduce key components of a residential summer program for low-income, high-ability middle school students, designed to foster understanding about themselves and capabilities for their professional career future. Educators may be able to play an important role in enhancing positive psychological strength of disadvantaged students, thereby setting the trajectory for students’ continued success in academics. Implications from the results of the study and the focus of the program planning components to serve disadvantaged students will be discussed.