Conceptual Change

This study aims to identify and synthesize the existing literature on the factors that influence the academic talent development of Black girls in K-12 settings. The aim is to examine the literature from the last 30 years related to the influences on the academic talent development of school-aged Black girls.

Factors Involved Can Either Facilitate or Hinder Talent Development in Black Girls

The literature review highlights several factors that can influence academic talent development among Black girls, including cultural and social influences, family and community support, teacher expectations and biases, and school policies and practices. The study notes that these factors can either facilitate or hinder academic talent development in Black girls. The study highlights the need for more research to better understand these complex factors and their interplay in academic talent development.

Positive and Negative Impacts Both Play a Part in Talent Development

The methodology involved a comprehensive search of multiple databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2019. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 articles were selected for analysis. The results of the study indicate that the factors that influence academic talent development in Black girls are complex and multifaceted. The study found that cultural and social influences, such as racial stereotypes and biases, can negatively affect academic talent development. However, family and community support, including parental involvement and mentorship programs, can have a positive impact.

Notable Quotes: 

“Black girls have been identified as “one of the most vulnerable student populations in public schools” due to discriminatory policies and practices (Evans-Winters & Esposito, 2010, p. 14).”

“Black high school and middle school girls confront other challenges including negative stereotyping, negative racial identity development, and limited access to educational opportunities due to poverty (Olszewski-Kubilius & Corwith, 2018).”

“Racial discrimination is prevalent in the school life of Black girls and can have negative outcomes on academic adjustment and motivation (Eccles et al., 2006; Sellers et al., 1998). These negative experiences may hinder Black girls from reaching their full academic potential (Mayes & Hines, 2014).”

Personal Takeaway: 

As a teacher, I want to empower all students to one day be leaders who can make changes in the world and fight for the injustices that are prevalent in our society. Unfortunately, my own teaching context means that I have very limited opportunities to work with Black students, even though I am working at an international school based in Africa. Black students are generally grossly under-represented in international schools.—Shekufeh

Davis, Brenda K. “Influences on Academic Talent Development of Black Girls in K-12: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Advanced Academics 32.4 (2021): 435-468.