NEW REPORT: RACIAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP PLAGUES SUBURBAN SCHOOLS
County-specific data shows pervasive lack of equity in Bucks, Chester, Delco, and Montco
PHILADELPHIA (March 18, 2021)— Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) is releasing the first in-depth analysis of how Black and Hispanic students are faring in suburban Philadelphia school districts, and the findings are cause for concern and action.
This new report disproves the notion that the racial achievement gap is an urban phenomenon and lays bare how students suffer from the systemic problems of racist policy, economic segregation, and personal bias in suburban school districts. Nearly a quarter of all students in the 61 school districts in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties are Black or Hispanic, and the gaps in reading and math performance by race are pervasive in every district but one.
WHAT: Presenters will walk through specific findings from each of the four counties and share firsthand accounts of life as a student of color in suburban schools. The virtual presentation with detailed graphics will be available following the press conference.
WHO:
- Andrea Custis, President & CEO, Urban League of Philadelphia
- Dr. Jeffrey S. Fecher, Superintendent, Abington School District
- Tomás Hanna, Superintendent, Coatesville Area School District
- Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo, Executive Director, CEO, ACLAMO
- Tomea Sippio-Smith, PCCY K12 Education Policy Director
- Collin W., a 10th grader at Strath Haven High School, Delaware County
WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
WHERE: See Attached for more information
PCCY is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to improve the lives of children in Bucks, Chester,Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties by developing initiatives and advocating for quality health care, child care, public education, and family stability. Learn more on our website (www.childrenfirstpa.org), Twitter (@pccyteam), and Facebook page (PCCYPage).