New Data from the Department of Education Shows Continuing Disparities in Educational Opportunities and Resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the senior Democrat on the Education and the Workforce Committee, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education released new civil rights data. The data, released as part of the Civil Rights Data Collection, shines much-needed light on disparities in educational resources and opportunities for students across the country. The data released today includes information on suspensions, seclusion and restraint occurrences, students passing algebra, taking AP tests, and passing AP tests, and teacher absenteeism, among other information. The release today showed that equity disparities remain a problem in communities across the country.
“I applaud the Department’s Office of Civil Rights for reporting on this critical information that will aid states, districts and policymakers in identifying inequities and targeting solutions to close the persistent educational achievement gaps that exist in our schools. While I strongly support the schools and districts highlighted in this report who are showing progress and demonstrating best practices, for many students and their families the data released today shows we still have a lot of work to do in promoting equity and fairness in schools. This new information underscores that the federal government’s role in ensuring schools continue to be held accountable for the progress of all students is just as critical as ever. As we work to rewrite the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, federal policy must continue to set high bars, provide guardrails, and support some of our most vulnerable students. If we’re serious about closing the achievement gap and bringing our schools to the future, then our education reform efforts have to be deliberate, comprehensive and serious as well.”
Next Article