The Myth of Equal Opportunity: Students’ Thoughts and Demands on the Achievement Gap Exposed at the Biennial of the Americas

By Padres & Jovenes Unidos Publised in the North Denver Tribune July 15, 2010Our education system is in crisis. We face a growing academic achievement gap, alarming drop-out rates and the continued push-out of low-income students of color. Here in Denver, only 53% of students graduate from high school. But these are problems that go beyond Denver and Colorado; our education crisis is a national crisis.
On Tuesday, July 6th the US joined six other nations at the Biennial of the Americas Roundtable on Education where they addressed the current state of education in their countries and discussed successful reforms and models that could be replicated to close the achievement gap. Senator Michael Bennet was among the US leaders present at the roundtable.
The Biennial of the Americas education discussion provided a perfect opportunity to expose Colorado’s and the nation’s need for education reform and student-led solutions. Jovenes Unidos performed a silent skit with stories that represented some of the biggest educational barriers our communities face:
Only 46 out of 100 Latino students, 56 out of 100 Black students and 32 out of 100 Native American students graduate from Denver Public Schools.
Colorado spends less on its students than 42 other states.
Currently, only 5% to 10% of undocumented students who graduate from high school go on to college.
Students of color are seven times more likely to be disciplined in Denver Public Schools.
The action ended with three main demands to achieve equal opportunity and a strong message to members of Congress:
Invest more in public education and prepare ALL students for college; pass the DREAM Act; and end zero tolerance policies in all schools.
We need drastic systemic reform to turn our schools around and give all students an equal opportunity to succeed. College is a right, not a privilege!
To get involved, please contact Padres & Jovenes Unidos at 303-458-6545.