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The Urban Review

, Volume 49, Issue 2, pp 263–278 | Cite as

The Browning of American Public Schools: Evidence of Increasing Racial Diversity and the Implications for Policy, Practice, and Student Outcomes

  • Amber C. Bryant
  • Nicholas P. Triplett
  • Marcia J. Watson
  • Chance W. Lewis
Article
First Online:

Abstract

Demographic trends have suggested a general increase in minority student populations in American public schools, particularly Hispanics/Latino(a)s students. However, research, theoretical analysis, and comprehensive recommendations to address the sociocultural implications of these population changes have been scarce. This research used the most recent data from the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to further examine demographic population changes in US public schools from 2000 to 2010. The study uses intergroup threat and contact theories to frame the discussion and implications. Findings reveal an increase in minority student populations generally and within many locales with historically small non-White populations. A comprehensive set of recommendations for educational stakeholders is provided.

Keywords

Urban schools Student enrollment Race Diversity Contact theory Intergroup threat 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Amber C. Bryant
    • 1
  • Nicholas P. Triplett
    • 2
  • Marcia J. Watson
    • 3
  • Chance W. Lewis
    • 4
  1. 1.UNC Charlotte Center City CampusCharlotteUSA
  2. 2.College of EducationUNC CharlotteCharlotteUSA
  3. 3.Towson UniversityTowsonUSA
  4. 4.UNC Charlotte Center City CampusCharlotteUSA

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