Our team is always seeking the latest news in the field of education. As advocates for a quality education for ALL students, we know we have to stay up-to-date on everything that’s going on in the education spheres of our nation…from the White House to the local public school district, from new legislation to the small acts of bravery and kindness made by a single teacher, from the milestones and celebrations to the hazardous injustices affecting many of our nations students.

Each week, we would like to share some of the best stories with you. Because we believe you should stay up-to-date, too!

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New Numbers Document the Systemic Racism in U.S. Schools via Sojourners

 

The recent Civil Rights Data Collection survey shows that black preschool children are 3.6 times as likely to be suspended as white preschoolers. But that’s not the only injustice happening in our nations schools. The report highlights continued inequality throughout all of our nations school systems.

‘“We’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said in the “I Have a Dream” speech. The founders of the United States had signed a metaphorical promissory note that guaranteed equal rights for all people, he said.

“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned,” King concluded.‘

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Segregated Schools Nearly Doubled From 2000: Report via The Washington Informer

More and more studies show that the segregation of schools is not beneficial to any of our nation’s children, but it is especially debilitating to minority students. These students are less likely to get on a good track towards college and career. Read this article to learn more about the report.

“The delay in desegregation has deprived generations of students of the constitutionally-guaranteed right of an integrated education,” U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown wrote in her May 13 opinion. Although no court order can right these wrongs, it is the duty of the District to ensure that not one more student suffers under this burden.”

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Education Must Be Part of the Movement for Black Lives and Social Justice via Education Post

In this article, James E. Ford argues that education must be a central argument in the discussion of racial justice. Over the past few years, the Black Lives Matter movement has been largely focused on the criminal justice system and the reformation of its practices. But does the issue stop at criminal justice? No. Discover the some of the ways we can improve opportunity for black students.

“While education is marketed as the “great equalizer,” we fail as a nation to equalize educational opportunity for everyone. Race continues to be a significant factor in determining student outcomes. Breaking this color-coded system of advantage is going to require adopting a racial equity lens in at least a few areas of education.”

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Five eye-opening figures from the U.S. Education Department’s latest civil rights data dump via The Washington Post

The latest data dump from the U.S. Department of Education reveals a great deal about the wide disparities currently at play in our nation’s schools. It gives some sad statistics on chronic absenteeism, the lack of access many students have to counselors, teacher licensing, and preschool suspensions. Read this article from The Washington Post to get a further glimpse at some of that data.

“A growing body of research has shown that children who are chronically absent from school are more likely to struggle academically and eventually drop out. It makes sense: Missed classes mean missed instruction and holes in understanding that make it more and more difficult to keep up with peers. Absenteeism rates are highest among teenagers, but it’s by no means an adolescent problem alone. More than 3.5 million of chronically absent students were in elementary school.”

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74 Interview: Julio Fuentes on Empowering Hispanic Communities to Demand, and Attract, Better Schools via The 74

In this interview via The 74, Julio Fuentes, president and CEO of Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options, discusses empowering Hispanic communities to demand better schools. It is important that we work to close the Hispanic student achievement gap. Let’s hear how Julio Fuentes is working to mobilize the Hispanic community, including parents, pastors, and business leaders, to advocate for better school options in local communities.

“The good news is that Hispanics have a huge potential to inform key issues and influence national politics, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center. But, says Pew, they’ve also tended to “punch below their weight” in the political arena. That’s exactly what Fuentes set out to change when he transitioned from a successful business career to become a full-time advocate for Hispanic children: training and activating his community to fight for their children’s futures.”

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Did any of these articles particularly speak to you? We would love to know your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below: