An unequal education system leaves many of their dreams unrealized.
Each year, thousands of students,the majority of whom are students of color and low income students, advance through our nation's school system, but fail to receive the high quality education they deserve. And this is more acute in our high schools, appalling drop out rates, majority in low performing schools, and persistent achievement gaps.
Every year approx. 1.3 million high school students drop out,one of every four freshman without a high school diploma four years later. 70% of high school students graduate on time,but only 55% or less of African American, Latino and American Indian graduate on time. Many asian Americans also face these same barriers in education. 50% of Cambodians and Laotians and 40% of Hmong 23 and older in the U.S. do not have a high school diploma. At the same time, students living in low income families are far more likely to drop out of school then their wealthier peers.
Those of us working on issues of social justice and civil rights are very aware of the critical role that education has in fostering a strong base for economic growth and civic engagement. We need to build our future leaders and for this a quality education is needed.
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