The huge difference in academic performance between students from different economic circumstances and racial/ethnic backgrounds.

An effective teacher is the single most important factor in boosting student achievement.

Annually, the US spends $9,644 per student compared to $22,600 per prison inmate.

90% of incoming freshmen at the top 150 colleges come from families in the top half of U.S. annual income distribution.

In 1970, the United States had 30% of the world's college graduates, now it has only 15%.

On average, an American student drops out of high school every 26 seconds.

18% of all college-ready high school graduates are African-American or Latino.

Only about half the nation's African-American & Latino students graduate from high school on time.

Black and Latino students are 2-3x more likely to have below basic skills in reading and math.

90% of incoming freshman at the top 150 colleges come from families in the top half of U.S. annual income distribution.

70% of top income earners have at least a bachelor's degree.

High school graduates will earn ~$1 million less over their working lives than college graduates.

College graduates are 50% more likely to vote than high school graduates.

High school graduates live up to 7 years longer than high school dropouts.

A high school dropout is 5-8x more likely to be incarcerated than a college graduate.

American 15 year-olds' math skills rank 25th internationally.

By 4th grade, Black and Latino students are on average nearly 3 academic years behind their white and Asian counterparts.

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EDUCATION EQUALITY PROJECT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SPEECH TO THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
on Jul 29, 2010 by The EEP Team

NEW YORK, July 29, 2010 - The Education Equality Project (EEP), a leader in the civil rights movement to eliminate the racial and ethnic achievement gap in public education, strongly supports President Obama’s commitment to reforming our nation’s public school system.  We are heartened by both President Obama’s and Secretary Duncan’s strong words and actions on behalf of our nation’s kids, and particularly by the forceful speeches each made at the National Urban League’s Centennial Conference this week.

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Daily News RoundUp—July 29, 2010
on Jul 29, 2010 by The EEP Team

Thursday, July 29, 2010 - Check out the most recent editorial relevant articles in the world of education reform. EEP released an official statement supporting the courageous stance that the Obama Administration has taken on reforming our failing public education system.  Read the release on our website or download the release here (pdf).

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Remarks by the President on Education Reform at the National Urban League Centennial Conference
on Jul 29, 2010 by The White House

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Have a seat.  Take a load off.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

Good morning, Urban Leaguers. 

AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  It is wonderful to be here with all of you.  It is wonderful to be here.  And let me begin by congratulating Marc Morial for his outstanding leadership, his great friendship.  (Applause.)  I want to thank the entire National Urban League on your centennial.  From your founding, amid the great migration, to the struggles of the civil rights movement, to the battles of today, the Urban League has been on the ground, in our communities, working quietly -– day in, day out -– without fanfare; opening up opportunity, rolling back inequality, making our union just a little more perfect.  America is a better place because of the Urban League.  And I'm grateful to all of you for the outstanding contributions that you’ve made. (Applause.) 

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President Obama Addresses the National Urban League on Education (live stream)
on Jul 29, 2010 · Graham Browne

Pres. Obama is addressing the National Urban League at their Centennial Conference live on whitehouse.gov.

He is expected to address recent criticism by the Urban League and other civil rights groups on his education reform initiatives.

 

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