Advancing Equity in Education

A modernized public education is crucial to fostering greater student achievement, building an educated workforce pipeline, and protecting our future economic vitality. As we begin a long recovery, it is essential that we not only address the inequities amplified by the pandemic but also reimagine and restructure education systems to work better for all.

America Succeeds’ Equity in Education initiative targets five specific policy pillars where system change is needed and can be impactful. The five pillars encompass a broad scope that can be easily understood and embraced to increase equity across the education system.

Equity in Education Initiative Support

America Succeeds Equity in Education Platform

Achieving Funding Equity
Advancing Equity in STEM
Recruiting & Retaining Educators of Color
Strengthening Equity through Social-Emotional Learning
Expanding Equity in Course Access & Options

Challenges

$23 Billion Less

School districts serving predominately nonwhite students receive $23 billion less in annual state & local funding while educating the same number of students.

1 in 5 Teachers

Numerous studies point to teachers of color being a leading contributor in closing achievement gaps for students of color, but are only a fraction of the workforce (approximately 20%).

Only 9% of Students

Students of color and their families are often presented with or have access to fewer educational options along their journey; only 9% of students of color are enrolled in at least one AP course.

Recommendations for Advancing Equity in Education

  • Staffing schools with more teachers of color is a proven tool for closing the achievement gap for students of color, and all students benefit when their educators are more diverse.
  • Achieving equity in STEM creates greater opportunities for students of color to develop versatile skill sets and participate in the fastest growing, and often higher-paying, fields.
  • By developing competencies that promote inclusiveness, empathy, and building cross-cultural relationships, social-emotional learning can set the tone for building a welcoming school environment where every student feels valued and supported.
  • Empowering students and families with equitable educational options (such as gifted and talented programs, AP classes, and school choice), gives them the freedom to make the best decisions and the resources to pursue whatever opportunities they choose.
  • Ensuring all students receive their fair share of school funding is not only fundamental to achieving equity, but also targets substantial public investments where they are needed most and puts all students on a path toward opportunity.

By removing systemic barriers to opportunities for students of color, all students have a better chance to pursue and succeed in the pathways of their choice. Business leaders are an ideal partner to support this work through a shared vision of economic opportunity, vibrant innovations, and creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Only when all students, particularly those most underserved, have access to equal educational opportunities can this vision be realized – so let’s get to work.

Business Perspectives on Equity in Education