Thursday, May 21, 2009

Opportunity to Learn Disparities Between States

Geographically, the interstate quality and access Opportunity to Learn disparities are vast. As the Lost Opportunity map indicates, with the exception of Virginia, the states where historically disadvantaged students have the most access to the nation’s best schools are in places where they are the least likely to be found in critical mass.

As the map indicates, southern and southwestern states, which have large Latino and Black populations, have essentially lowered the bar for all students and relegated their students to subpar educational systems. On average, the best schools in these states fall short of national and international standards. Northeastern and Midwestern states are achieving higher results but have policies or practices which essentially limit access to those districts and schools capable of producing high results to those who are not part of a historically disadvantaged group. Furthermore, the map also reveals the existence of an “opportunity denied belt” that runs from Michigan, to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, where the educational systems are subpar and disadvantaged students remain locked out of even their state’s subpar systems’ best schools.” Federal support, state action and community advocacy are needed to assist these states to address the policy, practice and resources challenges that are maintaining these geographic trends.

No comments:

Post a Comment