1) The document discusses research on the academic achievement gap and disciplinary referral gap between African American males and other groups from the perspective of African American males' own beliefs. 2) It presents African American male students' self-reported beliefs about academics, their teachers, and discipline, finding that most believe they earn their grades and their teachers treat students fairly. 3) The document suggests implications for various groups to work as a team to help close the gaps, such as parents reinforcing education, churches offering tutoring, and teachers setting high expectations.

1. Take Heed to the Voices of our Children: African American Males’ Beliefs Regarding the Academic Achievement Gap and Disciplinary Referral Gap James M. Thompson, PhD The State of the African American Male Conference October 30, 2008

4. The Past “We must never forget and should learn from our history.”

7. “… as a child’s first teacher, parents generally have a strong influence on learning during early childhood” (Route-Chatmon et al., 2006, p. 201)

10. The Present: “Let the Children be heard!”

15. The Future: “African American males can achieve more if WE ALL work as a TEAM.”