Final answer:
The academic performance of African American and Hispanic American adolescents is predominantly influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Socioeconomic disparities impact access to educational resources and school quality, while environmental racism exposes communities to harmful conditions that can affect health and learning. The correct answer is b. Socioeconomic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers have suggested that African American and Hispanic American adolescents may encounter challenges in their academic pursuits for several reasons, predominantly due to socioeconomic factors, as well as environmental factors and to some degree cultural factors. Socioeconomic disparities, which include income, educational opportunities, and access to resources, significantly impact the achievement gaps that exist among students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. For instance, socioeconomic status can affect the quality of schools that students attend, their home environments, and the level of educational support they receive outside of school. Environmental racism also plays a role, as this form of systemic inequality leads to communities of color being disproportionately exposed to environments with hazardous conditions such as asbestos or lead paint, factors which can affect cognitive and physical health, thus influencing academic performance.
While all of these aspects can have an impact, socioeconomic factors are often highlighted as a primary contributor to differences in academic outcomes between different racial and ethnic groups. Initiatives aimed at closing the socioeconomic achievement gap may include programs that provide additional academic support, financial aid, and resources that address the disparities in education quality. These targeted interventions can help foster aptitude and achievement among students facing socioeconomic challenges. Ultimately, this aligns with the broader goal of creating a more equitable educational landscape where all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
The correct option in the context of this inquiry is b. Socioeconomic factors, as these are widely recognized as having a considerable influence on academic success among African American and Hispanic American adolescents.