California Black Freedom Fund’s Post

USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera and UCLA Professor Tyrone C. Howard argue that LAUSD's Black Student Achievement Plan is critical to addressing systemic challenges Black students face in education. Despite a federal complaint challenging the program, its targeted resources have shown measurable improvements, from higher graduation rates to increased AP course enrollment. The pair emphasizes that the program benefits Black students and enhances outcomes for all students in participating schools, urging LAUSD to defend and preserve the plan as a model for equity and progress in education. Read their compelling op-ed on why targeted support programs matter.

Why Representation in Education Matters: Building a Pipeline of Black Educators Research demonstrates Black students with Black teachers are more likely to stay engaged, feel more confident, and achieve better academic outcomes. Although this is true, only 7% of teachers nationwide are Black, and 40% of public schools have no teachers of color. This disparity has real consequences for equity and success in education. While the representation of teachers of color is significantly better in Philadelphia, there is much more we can do. That is why Elevate 215 is a champion for initiatives that prioritize building a pipeline of diverse and effective educators in Philadelphia. As Sharif El-Mekki wrote in the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Black students are positioned for success when they have access to teachers who can serve as mirrors, not just windows, to their world. And focusing on increasing the number of Black teachers and improving academic outcomes are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. To sustain academic success, we need to develop a pipeline of Black teachers." Let’s work together to create classrooms where all students can see themselves reflected, supported, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g7zDAAig

While Black youth comprise 14% of the U.S. population, only 7% of teachers are Black, and 40% of the nation’s public schools have no teachers of color. In an era when initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are under attack, and affirmative action to remedy historical higher education inequities have been gutted, it is more important than ever that we focus on increasing the number of Black educators as a key part of improving Black student outcomes. And those outcomes are dire, with 84% of Black fourth graders not reading at proficiency levels compared with 59% of their white peers. Academic gaps by race only widen as students progress through school. https://lnkd.in/epDTS724

"Educators often refer to the discrepancy in test scores between Black students and their peers as the 'achievement gap.' But SEF research director Max Altman said that’s a misnomer." Many Black students do not have the same access to learning opportunities as other students. #opportunitygap Read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's recent article on SEF's new report, Miles To Go: The State of Education for Black Students in America. The report details some of the most notable opportunity gaps in K-12 education, including persistent school segregation, inequities in school resources, major disparities in school discipline, and the removal of Black history from the curriculum and other attempts to limit inclusivity – issues that must be addressed to support sustained progress in improving student outcomes. Read the article by Martha Dalton and the full report at https://lnkd.in/eP5d-DYJ

We Educate Brilliant Minds breaks it down in a nut shell. The Importance of Neighborhood Schools and HBCUs for Black Students Introduction Thesis Statement: This essay explores the importance of Black students in Los Angeles attending neighborhood schools with peers who look like them, the benefits of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for Black students, the concerning low enrollment rates of Black students in California's UC and state schools, the drawbacks of attending junior colleges (JCs), and the critical role of We Educate Brilliant Minds in supporting Black students' educational journeys. The Importance of Neighborhood Schools Cultural Relevance and Identity Attending schools with peers who share similar backgrounds fosters a sense of belonging and cultural identity. Studies show that students perform better academically and socially when they see themselves reflected in their peers and teachers. This environment supports their self-esteem and identity formation (Brookings). Community Support and Mentorship Neighborhood schools provide a support network through community engagement. Teachers and staff from similar backgrounds can offer mentorship and guidance, understanding the unique challenges Black students may face. Combating Systemic Inequality Ensuring that Black students attend well-resourced neighborhood schools can help address educational disparities. Community schools can serve as hubs for social services, helping to mitigate the effects of socioeconomic challenges. The Importance of HBCUs for Black Students Historical and Cultural Significance HBCUs have a long history of educating Black students and fostering leaders in various fields. These institutions provide a culturally affirming environment that celebrates Black heritage and history. Academic and Professional Excellence HBCUs are known for their rigorous academic programs and high graduation rates for Black students. They produce a significant number of Black professionals in fields such as STEM, law, and medicine. Supportive Environment Smaller class sizes and a close-knit community at HBCUs ensure personalized attention and support. The presence of Black faculty and staff provides role models and mentors who understand and support the unique experiences of Black students. Low Black Enrollment Rates in California UC and State Schools Current Statistics Black students are significantly underrepresented in the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. For example, in fall 2022, only 4.3% of undergraduates at UC schools were Black, despite Black people making up about 6.5% of California's population (Brookings). Challenges and Barriers Systemic issues such as lack of access to advanced coursework, insufficient college counseling, and economic barriers contribute to these low enrollment rates. The competitiveness of UC schools and high tuition costs also deter many Black students.

The legal challenge to LAUSD's Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) is disheartening, but sadly not surprising. STEM to the Future is fortunate to be part of BSAP, and we’ve seen the transformative impact of such programs. Yet history shows that when Black people fight for progress, it’s often met with resistance, and at risk of being taken away. Take affirmative action, led by Black communities, but white women became the largest beneficiaries and yet many became its fiercest opponents. This reveals a deeper issue, the inability to see how programs for the most marginalized benefit us all. It’s a failure of critical thinking and collectivism, skills our education system doesn’t formally teach and, instead, rewards individualism. Fannie Lou Hamer’s words, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free,” remind us of the collective progress we need to strive for. When we focus on individualism, we lose sight of how interconnected we truly are. We must cultivate critical thinking and collectivism in our schools for Black students and for everyone. https://lnkd.in/gk2Szyx7 #CollectiveProgress #CriticalThinking #EquityInEducation #PlantingtheSeed

Check out this dope article on the work that NABME INC (The National Association of Black Male Educators) is doing to dramatically increase the number of Black Male Educators and leaders there are in schools across DC and the nation. https://lnkd.in/eTYBeAtB

Reflecting on the past year, 2024 has been pivotal for Black K-12 education. The 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education spurred a critical review of progress since the 1954 ruling. Despite its intent, over a third of public school students attend schools where 75% or more of the student body are of a single race or ethnicity, and the Black-white education achievement gap remains. This year also saw policies impacting Black students' educational experiences. In Georgia, the state initially rejected an AP African American Studies course due to the state's "divisive concepts" law but later reversed its decision, allowing the course. The national discourse on African American history in school curricula continued. Disparities in school discipline, with Black students facing higher suspension and expulsion rates, have led to increased absenteeism, reduced academic performance, and contributed to the "school-to-prison pipeline." Additionally, Black students in multiple states received anonymous racist text messages referencing slavery and directing them to report to "plantations," raising alarms about overt racist intimidation targeting Black youth. The nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education has raised concerns about federal education policy's direction affecting Black K-12 students. Critics argue her support for school choice could divert essential funds from underfunded schools in Black communities. What are your thoughts on the state of Black K-12 education in the United States, and what steps do you believe are necessary to address the persistent disparities and challenges faced by Black students?

Culturally relevant education is VITAL for creating empowering spaces for Black students! 🙌🏾✨ It’s time to center their cultures & histories to ensure more equitable outcomes. Let’s make CRE a classroom standard! 📚💡 Read more: https://bit.ly/3WkxlZy #EquityInEducation 🌍🖤

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been instrumental in educating Black communities, with a focus on teacher training. Despite facing challenges, these institutions continue to produce over 50% of all Black educators nationwide. HBCUs remain a vital part of the education system, shaping future educators and leaders. #hbcuhistory #blackeducators https://lnkd.in/e_McHP97