For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 16, 2009
America’s Promise Alliance Joins Coalition for Student Achievement
Coalition to Ensure Improvements in Student Achievement and Progress on Education Reform Outlined by American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
WASHINGTON , DC – The America’s Promise Alliance today announced it has joined the Coalition for Student Achievement, a collaborative of groups committed to improving outcomes for students through education reform. The Coalition will base its progress on “assurances” outlined in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The Coalition views ARRA as an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the U.S. economy by implementing reforms that will ultimately result in stronger schools, more effective teachers, and a better-educated citizenry and workforce.
“President Obama and Congress have shown bold leadership on the issue of education reform. Never before have such significant resources been given to those willing to take on the hardest challenges in public education,” said Marguerite Kondracke, CEO of America’s Promise Alliance. “It is imperative that we work together to change the way we do business and deliver results to the students who need our help the most.”
With almost a third of all American students – 1.2 million each year – not graduating from high school on time, the need for reform is clear and urgent. Indicators show that another third are not prepared for college, and only half of those who do graduate earn some kind of post-secondary degree. Among minorities, the problem is even more severe – nearly 50% of Hispanic and African-American students fail to complete high school on time. The consequences of leaving high school or graduating unprepared for college are great, as the unemployment rate for those without a high school diploma is triple the rate for those with a bachelor’s degree, and those who do not graduate are three times more likely to live in poverty.
Evidence points to solutions through high expectations, clear standards, robust information systems, and effective teachers and principals who appropriately apply data. The Coalition sees the most promising ARRA provisions as “assurances” to which Governors must commit in exchange for their portion of the $48.6 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. These assurances focus on research-based reform and apply to every state, district, and public school (including public charter schools). They include:
- Creating a robust P-16 data system that tracks individual student performance and fosters continuous improvement;
- Developing college and career-ready standards;
- Designing and implementing high-quality assessments of student learning;
- Improving teacher effectiveness and placing the best teachers in the most challenging schools;
- Intervening effectively in chronically low-performing schools.
The Coalition urges transparency about how the assurances are pursued, while asserting that that speed and efficiency should not supersede reform and improvement. Ultimate goals are grounded in measurable outcomes and demonstrated student achievement at the state and district levels. Other members include National Council of La Raza, the US Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Excellent Education and more.
About the Coalition for Student Achievement
The Coalition for Student Achievement is comprised of reform-oriented parents, teachers, administrators, civil rights organizations, business professionals, and thought leaders across the country. The Coalition will track the progress of the ARRA as it relates to education reform.
About the America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources – the Five Promises – they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises – caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others—at home, in school and in the community. For more information about America's Promise Alliance visit www.americaspromise.org.