Author: Sarah Prosser
The educational system in America is faces numerous challenges. Between overworked and underpaid staff and the need to “teach to the tests” to retain federal funds, many students fall behind their peers in a system that might not be aware of the average student’s struggle. The devastating effects of an imperfect educational system are most evident in minority populations.
According to the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress, eighth-grade black boys scored only marginally higher on their average reading and math scores when compared to fourth-grade white girls. Latino males had about the same results. Many impoverished minority students make the difficult decision to drop out, resulting in a graduation rate of only 57 percent for black males and 62 percent for Latino males within four years of attending high school. White men fare much better, with a comparable 79 percent graduation rate.
According to the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress, eighth-grade black boys scored only marginally higher on their average reading and math scores when compared to fourth-grade white girls. Latino males had about the same results. Many impoverished minority students make the difficult decision to drop out, resulting in a graduation rate of only 57 percent for black males and 62 percent for Latino males within four years of attending high school. White men fare much better, with a comparable 79 percent graduation rate.
