Transitioning from Elementary School to Middle School: The Ecology of Black Males' Behavior.

Completing this dissertation has been one o f the most challenging events o f my life.I am deeply grateful to God for giving me the strength, energy, and determination to complete such a monumental task.I would like to express an enormous amount of gratitude to my husband, my best friend.Without his love and support during the highs o f laughter and excitement and lows o f tears and frustration, I would not have been able to endure this endeavor.My children, Roman, Nyla, and Dallas are the best.They were my cheerleaders even when mom was worn out and fell asleep early without a good night hug and kiss.I am eternally grateful to my chair, Dr. Barbara Rascoe, who persevered through many twists and turns as I made decisions regarding the direction of this work.Dr. Rascoe not only enlightened my thought process about writing, but she was cheerful, energetic, and optimistic when my heart was overwhelmed and the work was prodigious.Her direction was instrumental in the completion of this work.I would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. Clemmie Whatley and Dr. Mary Nell McNeese, who provided timely feedback and a fresh perspective at every juncture in this process.Even during personal trials, Dr. McNeese maintained regular communication.Additionally, I would like to express deep gratitude for my dear friend and sister in Christ, Kate Carman, who provided ongoing, consistent refinement to this study