The social networks and resources of African American eighth graders: evidence from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988.

This study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 to examine the relationship of social and cultural resources and teachers' perception of ability to the educational aspirations of African American eighth graders. The results were compared by social class. It was found that discussions with parents about school or careers, participation in activities outside of school, parental involvement, and parents' expectations were positively related to educational aspirations, while poverty status and teachers' perception of low achievement level were negatively related to aspirations.