Recruiting and retaining African American students in middle school gifted education continues to be challenging in American schools. African American students continue to be underrepresented in middle school gifted education and accelerated programs, even when they qualify to be gifted education participants. The case study that follows focuses on identifying, observing, and examining the practices, policies, and procedures of a Georgia middle school identified as successfully recruiting and retaining African American middle school students who qualify for gifted education. The participating middle school, was able to recruit and retain qualified African American students in gifted education for 2 or more years, demonstrating substantial enrollment and completion gains for students. The case study explored educational policies and practices of education administrators and leaders, uncovering methods for success. Educational administrators and leaders were interviewed to uncover practices and methods for successful recruiting and retaining of African American students in middle school gifted education. There is a gap in the literature regarding policies, practices, procedures, and methods to address underrepresentation of African American students in middle school gifted education. The practices, policies, and procedures identified in the case study will be transferrable to educational administrators and teachers for implementation in schools intending to recruit and retain African American students in gifted education as well as those already enrolled. These policies, practices, and procedures will provide insight for teachers of African American students in general education and other accelerated education programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
