As with last week hearing on #Achievement, we encourage everyone to look beyond the headlines. @PerryStein

Again, yes, our schools have improved, but achievement gaps persist and, in many cases, are growing. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/post-poll-finds-record-high-44-percent-rate-district-public-schools-positively/2019/11/24/63a8cb94-0bf6-11ea-bd9d-c628fd48b3a0_story.html

During the last 15 years, the achievement gaps between those eligible for reduced price lunch and those not eligible have grown by 105%.

The gaps on our city's PARCC test are immense and growing as well.

We can and should celebrate our achievement and recognized the great work teachers and school leaders are doing. However, we must also acknolwedge that many, many students continue to fall through the cracks.

Our city's graduation rate stands at just 68%. And many of our graduates struggle once they reach college, with reports of more than 90% of those who enroll at UDC requiring remedial coursework.

Until our success reaches every student and every community we have not made real progress, despite what the headlines tell us.