Viola Davis won an Emmy this year for her role in the dramatic series, “How to Get Away With Murder.” In her acceptance speech, she said the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. She is right. It’s true in the performing arts and every other arena.
It is especially true in the classroom, where so many of our black, Latino and low-income students are beginning their journeys to better lives. Her words are a powerful reminder that — with access, support and opportunity — all children can and will achieve.
One of the most consistently reliable ways to help students achieve academically is through rigorous coursework, like Advanced Placement classes. Advanced Placement is designed to provide high school students with challenging academic coursework and a head start on a college education.
DE BLASIO SEEKS 80% GRADUATION IN 10-YEAR EDUCATION PLAN
Unfortunately, far too many students of color, or from low-income families, are denied access to these high-level classes. In many cases, their schools simply don’t offer them. In other cases, there are barriers to access that effectively place the courses out of reach. And, perhaps most tragically, many students don’t have the confidence to venture into these challenging courses without encouragement or support.
What would happen if we removed barriers to these classes? What if every child who has the will also has access and is able to participate in an Advanced Placement course?
That would be an important first step. And under Mayor de Blasio, New York City is poised to do just such a thing.
A recent education reform agenda outlined by de Blasio got attention for many things. The promise of computer science courses to all students probably got the most ink, followed by targeted interventions to improve early literacy — which is critically important for student success.
DE BLASIO ISN’T HELPING WORST SCHOOLS, CRITICS SAY
As one who has dedicated her career to closing achievement gaps, the city’s pledge to make at least five AP classes available to students at all high schools by 2020 is what got my attention.
Each year, more than half a million low-income students and students of color in America are “missing” from AP classes and other similar types of courses — students who would benefit tremendously from these advanced opportunities if they participated at the same rate as other students.
The graduating class of 2015 in New York City public schools had more than 13,000 students who showed potential to succeed in any discipline of select Advanced Placement exams. A whopping 42% of these students either did not have the opportunity or chose not to take the challenge that AP courses offer.
Underrepresented minority students made up almost half of these missing students. It is shameful to see so many missing out.
While it’s hard to imagine anyone would deliberately deny these students an opportunity, it’s clear that no one has taken the extra step of actually assuring that these talented students take AP courses. Starting the process of offering AP courses at all schools will open the door for many students who have shown potential but do not attend a school now offering them.
This great initial step must be coupled with an intentional effort to include participation of many more low-income students and students of color, or it won’t have nearly the impact it needs to.
Schools need to not only offer AP classes, but go further, making sure students are taking advantage of the opportunity. New York plans to have AP prep courses for building readiness; that will help.
If every school with an existing AP program focused on finding its own “missing students,” or eliminating participation rate gaps between groups, we could almost entirely eliminate national gaps.
There are many schools that have already done this. Their results offer lessons for others ready and willing to take action.
Haycock is president of the Education Trust.
