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FAIRFIELD — When Dasha Giger's advanced placement sophomore history class talked about Africa at Fairfield High School, the 16-year-old said all eyes focused on her.

Because she is black, she said they assumed she would be an expert on the topic. As the "token" black student, she said her confidence decreases without support of other black students.

"I feel like sometimes I don't speak up for myself as much as I should, because I don't feel like I have backup," she said.

Fewer than 10 percent of racial minority students take advanced placement classes at Fairfield, according to the guidance department.

Sophomore Maddy Goodman, 15, said this may be due to an expectation disparity that perpetuates the achievement gap nationally.

"I feel like there are a lot of African-American students that just kind of become almost lazy and think that a teacher is not going to expect as much from them and don't try as hard," Maddy said. "Teachers don't push them as much as they push the white kids. They just stay in their normal classes instead of going into the advanced classes."

Dasha said because of a stereotype that black students are loud, obnoxious and uninterested in classes, she has to work extra hard to gain respect even though she is quiet and conservative.

"You have to kind of let them know that you're just as intelligent as everyone else in the class," she said. Anywhere from 10 to 20 percent more white Fairfield students pass achievement tests than their black peers, according to the state education department.

One black friend, Dasha said, has a high grade point average in his AP classes, but the teachers and students often view him as "one of the bad guys," she said, because of the stereotypical way he acts and dresses.

"I feel like they almost have to look at you and test you, but as long as you let them know you are as smart as everyone else, they accept you. It's not a racist thing with the teachers. They just automatically assume that you're not going to be at the (same) level as everyone."

Fairfield High School Principal Paul Waller said he appreciates when students speak up about inconsistencies.

"We want to know how our students feel and that just helps us meet their emotional needs, their social needs and academic needs," he said.

Waller said the district is looking into adding more AP classes to encourage more students to challenge themselves.

"Really the overall belief in this district is every student can be successful," he said. "I think we have to have high expectations for all students. As learners, with all of our students, we have to take them from where they are and bring them up to that high level. We have to find ways to customize our instruction to meet the needs of all students."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067.

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