Overcrowded classrooms, high student-to-teacher ratios, high staff turnover rates, and a lack of experienced and/or qualified teachers resulting in a lower quality education, reduced individualized attention, and limited access to extracurricular activities and specialized programs
The Challenges
High poverty rates, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and inadequate school funding resulting in a lack of proper facilities, resources, and opportunities making it difficult for students to excel academically
Discrimination, bias and unequal treatment of students of color, LCBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities, from peers, teachers, and/or school administrators. This can lead to low self-esteem, disengagement, poor academic performance, and suicide.
The national principal turnover rate is 18% and 21% in marginalized areas.
The 12th grade retention rate for students with disabilities is 39.5%.
12th grade students of color are retained at a rate that is 2.5 times higher than their peers
Language barriers for English language learners that impede their ability to fully participate in the classroom, access educational materials, and communicate with teachers and peers
Cultural differences of students are not fully understood in many school settings leading to a lack of inclusivity and representation in the curriculum and the school environment.
Lack of access to comprehensive support services such as counseling, mental health services, and special education programs leads to academic and emotional difficulties.
Students face disproportionate disciplinary practices such as suspension expulsion, or harsher punishments resulting in a school-to-prison pipeline and perpetuating the cycle of marginalization.
Challenges in accessing post-secondary opportunities such as information about degree and vocational programs and funding sources limiting students’ long -term prospects for success.
