This year marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision. This historic decision outlawed racial discrimination in schools across the United States. To this day, school systems continue to face multiple challenges and equity issues.
Monday's “Closer Look with Rose Scott” kicked off a weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: An Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.” This series examines the current state of education in Georgia and across the nation, from preschool to higher education.
Program host Rose Scott speaks with several guests, including the nation's chief education officer. Education advocates also address issues related to academic achievement, public HBCUs, rural schools, and special needs students.
First, we'll be broadcasting Part 1 of Rose's conversation with Black Microschool ATL co-founder April M. Jackson. Based on his experience as an educator, Mr. Jackson will discuss some of the ongoing systemic challenges in public schools. Mr. Jackson also talked about how one student faced multiple challenges while attending public school, including an inability to read.
Next, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona explains why he believes the public education system is under attack, the importance of investing in students, and how taking urgent action can improve academic performance. We will discuss how we can close the gap and create equity in education. He also discusses the High Court's recent decision to abolish race-conscious admissions in higher education.
Finally, in a roundtable discussion, Rose will speak with guests about several education-related topics, including the importance of addressing reading gaps. Guests also outlined the characteristics of quality education and what steps need to be taken to make it more accessible to everyone.
“Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with guests about the current state of education. From left to right: Lupita Quezada, program coordinator for the Latino Community Foundation of Georgia, Kamau Bob, founding senior director of Georgia Tech's Constellations Center for Equity in Computing, and host Rose Scott. Ms. Ed Chan, Executive Director of Redefining Atlanta Tiffany Fick is Director of School Quality and Advocacy at Equity in Education. (Rashawn Hudson/WABE)
