Illinois Action for Children’s Post

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court struck down state-sanctioned segregation of public schools as unconstitutional, declaring that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” A year later the court ordered states to begin integrating schools “with all deliberate speed.” Court-ordered desegregation in the wake of Brown led to significant educational gains for students of color, including graduation rate increases of 30 percent and 20 percent for Black and Hispanic students, respectively. In the intervening decades, however, progress toward integrated, equitable schools has stalled, and today America’s public schools remain as segregated as they were in the 1960s. The 70th anniversary of this landmark ruling is approaching, and we're making this a moment of renewed commitment to integration efforts as a means to achieve school resource equity. Join us on April 4, along with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. and Columbia Law School, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. Register here! https://lnkd.in/gzHqkran 

With the Board vote for ASPIRE quickly approaching, it’s important to understand the basics of an accountability/evaluation system. Let’s reintroduce our conversation with DC PCSB Board member, Nick Rodriguez, as he explains how and why we evaluate and hold schools accountable! 💬 More about #ASPIRE: https://bit.ly/49Ps5RO

🔦 Texas is in the spotlight as the site where #Juneteenth originated. Today, it’s also the site where a major battle against diversity, equity, and inclusion is being fought on college campuses. Governor Greg Abbott signed a law (Senate Bill 17) last year that bans diversity programs at public universities throughout the state. But don’t be fooled, Texas is not alone — at least 8 other states have passed similar bans. We must act to reverse and prevent any further obstruction to diversity initiatives. ➡️ TAKE ACTION this Juneteenth, it only takes a couple of minutes: sign our petition to repeal SB-17! Text REPEALSB17 to 52886 or visit https://bit.ly/RepealSB17. #DemandDiversity #LCUL

At “halftime” for our 2023 Equity 8, the scoreboard shows that 6 of 8 of our 2023 Equity 8 bills have yet to be decided. Learn more about each of them, including more details on their current status: https://lnkd.in/g4D3BrKY Next week, legislators return to Sacramento ready to finish the legislative session. This is our last chance to get bills signed into law this year—and 6 of the 8 greatest opportunities to advance ed justice through legislation remain in limbo. The deadline for bills to receive @CAgovernor’s signature is 10/14. Between now and then, we must urge elected officials to act on every opportunity to advance ed justice! Learn more about our 2023 Equity 8, and the 6 that have yet to be decided on. As the legislature reconvenes, Ed Trust–West will continue our advocacy with decision-makers in Sacramento, and update you on the progress and outcomes of these important legislative proposals.

Delawareans – help set the vision for the future of our public education system! Take our 5-10-minute Vision Coalition 2023 Survey. What’s going well? What do students need to know and be able to do? Where should public education focus in the future? bit.ly/VC2023survey

Today marks the 70 year anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. On May 17, 1954, a decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case declared the “separate but equal” doctrine unconstitutional. Today we recognize this monumental decision. Today we also recognize that much work remains. #EDLINKS #EducatingTheNewHumanity to #AwakenAndLiftHumanity to #SeeGoodDoBetter

On our newest episode on Pod for the Cause: #Brown vs Board of Education at 70: Still Unequal, I spoke with Saba Bireda, co-founder and chief counsel, Brown’s Promise; Hamida Labi, Esq., senior policy counsel, Legal Defense Fund; and my colleague Liz King, senior program director for education equity, about the sobering reality that, 70 years later, American schools remain starkly separate and profoundly unequal. https://lnkd.in/eRQfMekn

Getting progressive bills passed in the Deep South is always a challenge. HB188 essentially gives kids in Alabama more protection against the school-to-prison pipeline, and is legislation we've been pushing for years with little traction until now. After advocacy and truth-telling from directly impacted people, lobbying on a state and international level, and research on the scope of the issue, this bill will finally reach the governor's desk for signage. Shout out to everybody out there doing the work, even when the work is hard. The impact of the work really does make a difference. https://lnkd.in/emn2QMwf

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) district, which serves over 147,000 students across Charlotte, NC, has an opportunity to drastically improve its disciplinary practices by involving those most affected - the students themselves. We believe that a student-centered discipline audit is necessary to ensure fair and effective discipline within our schools. This audit should not only analyze current practices but also include direct input from students who experience these policies first-hand. By incorporating their perspectives and experiences into the decision-making process, we can create a more equitable and just school environment for all CMS students. What are the social and emotional impacts of these policies? How can we go beyond the statistics to understand the students' lived experiences? It's time for our school board to listen directly to its students’ voices on matters that directly impact them. Sign the petition: https://lnkd.in/dATK57yU

Stakeholder consultation is critical to strong policymaking - the focus groups with school leaders provide useful insights into the role of the #sna and together with other input set a direction for the first SNA Workforce Development Plan. Thanks to all who participated.