While there is still some ways to go, data released on Monday by the Department of Education shows that the achievement gap between white and Asian/Pacific Islander students and their Black, Hispanic and Native American peers is tightening.
The Department of Education found that graduation rates for all students have increased, but some made larger gains than others, causing the achievement gap to narrow between White, Black, Hispanic and American Indian students.
Also, a new high for the nation: during the 2012-2013 school year 81 percent of American students graduated from high school in four years.
From Huffington Post:
“America’s students have achieved another record-setting milestone,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement last month. “We can take pride as a nation in knowing that we’re seeing promising gains, including for students of color.”
Monday’s announcement outlines the specific gains achieved by students of color.
“The hard work of America’s educators, families, communities and students is paying off. This is a vital step toward readiness for success in college and careers for every student in this country,” Duncan said in a statement. “While these gains are promising, we know that we have a long way to go in improving educational opportunities for every student — no matter their ZIP code — for the sake of our young people and our nation’s economic strength.”
To learn more about the DOE report HERE.
