From the sanctuary to the classroom: The role of black church partnerships in supporting the educational achievement for African American students

Abstract

Education reform efforts are consistently being implemented in public schools across the United States to support students success. There is an increased need however for improvement regarding the educational achievement of African American students in K-12, public school settings. Ever since the times of slavery, the Black church had had an educational function in the lives of African Americans and at times, has served to increase their motivation and self-esteem. There has been ample research conducted involving the Black Church and its functional role in the education of African American students, however there is an increased need to locate and understand the ways in which Black Church partnerships specifically with schools in high poverty neighborhoods work to support the educational achievement of African American students. This research used a qualitative single case study as a means for data collection to determine how black church partnerships with schools support the educational achievement for African American students through student, school administrator and Black Church leaders perceptions. This research found that relationships, equity, community, and commitment work to support the educational achievement for African American students through partnerships with schools. The findings from this study offer contemporary insights into educating and empowering African American student while increasing their educational achievement through partnerships with the schools they attend.