National Catastrophe: The Achievement Gap

How many studies does it take to prove there is a crisis?

That is the question some educators are asking as a new study argues that the achievement gap between black male students and their white counterparts in American schools is far worse than anyone thought. A report released this week is just the latest in a long line of studies showing that the achievement gap between black and white students has widened in recent years, and that black males are being left behind in America's schools at alarming rates. Frustrated after years of seeing similar data, many say it's time to start applying lessons educators have already learned about how to close the gap.

A recent NY Times article about the achievement gap.

The Council of The Great City Schools also released a report called A Call for Change: The Social and Educational Factors Contributing to the Outcomes of Black Males in Urban Schools, which I would recommend skimming to get a better understanding of what we're up against. Each and every AmeriCorps Promise Fellow in Minnesota is making a difference, and helping to close this gap. Thank you for all you do, SCPs and SPNs!