216 pages
228 x 145mm
ISBN-10: 1 85856 038 1
ISBN-13: 978 185856 038 0

I am a Promise presents evidence which challenges the persistent myth of black educational under achievement. By 1994 DFE figures demonstrated that African Caribbean children's performance in schools, as a group, equalled that of children overall.

Yvonne Channer describes how she gathered her evidence of high achievement and offers in-depth profiles of some subjects, highlighting neglected areas in the literature and achievement, such as religion. She explores the role of early socialisation and the issues of empowerment and of status frustration and resistance.

The case studies reveal certain constraints in the young people who have done so well and sets the agenda for professionals who are seeking to secure the life chances for African-Caribbean students in Britain.

It is essential reading for educational policy-makers and planners and for teachers in multicultural schools.