Examining ethnic identity, school climate, and academic futility among minoritized students

Abstract

The present causal-comparative study examined the relation between school climate, ethnic identity, and academic futility among racially and ethnically minoritized students. The sample included 1721 racially and ethnically minoritized students identifying as Black, Asian, Latine, and Multiracial from 11 schools in the northeastern region of the United States. Regression models indicated a direct relation between the school climate subscales including School Connectedness, Safety, Character, Peer Support, Adult Support, Cultural Acceptance, Physical Environment, and Order and Discipline and academic futility for all groups in the study. Ethnic identity moderated the relation between school climate subscales and academic futility, although the impact differed across racial and ethnic groups. The present study's results highlight the similarities and differences in the educational experiences of minoritized students. The discussion provides recommendations for cultivating educational environments that are culturally affirming and informed to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Limitations and future directions are discussed.