Every child is born brilliant, but not every child gets the opportunity to share it. Our kids deserve better.
Although all children are born with the capacity to learn, some children are quickly left behind when they enter the school system.
Inequality in our public education system is evident in lower literacy rates, limited access to rigorous programs, disproportionate discipline rates, and inadequate support for students with special needs.
These persistent issues lead to lost opportunities throughout adulthood.
As a result of these inequalities, we advocate to fully fund the NC education system and equitable reconstruction by parents, educators and others who care about children. EPiC provides a safe space to collectively reflect, reallocate, and rebuild a better system.
Not every child receives the same opportunities.
According to local data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction₁, Black students represent 39.9% of the overall student body, but only 7.8% of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted Students.
For high school aged students, Black students make up 15% of high schoolers nationwide, but only 9% of students enrolled in at least one AP course.
When there are barriers to accessing advanced academics, there are also barriers to accessing opportunity. With increased access to advanced academics, students are encouraged, engaged, and excited to be in school. By increasing access to advanced academics, we will increase their access to success.
Our schools must treat every child as equal, especially in situations of conflict.
By joining together—parents and teachers, Black, White, and Brown—we can make every public school a place where all children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Call on your local legislators, school administrators, and teachers. What are their plans to increase access to advanced coursework for students who are underenrolled in advanced academics in their community?
Identify the need. Does your learning community need more advanced course offerings or more available seats within current programs and courses? Work to fill that need and demand that school leaders do as well.
Hire more social workers and counselors, and fewer police officers. School is a place where childhood happens. Every child, whatever their color, background or zip code, has the right to learn in a supportive environment that respects their humanity, upholds their dignity, and responds fairly to mistakes and missteps.