Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Tag: Quintessa Williams
Posted inOpinion
Why do schools keep failing Black kids?
Despite dire statistics, advocates say there is hope — and progress — in American cities, where investments in youth programs are beginning to improve outcomes for Black students.
Posted inWord In Black
Black students are being watched under AI — and they know it
I surveillance technologies in U.S. schools, often funded by COVID relief and disproportionately deployed in Black and low-income areas, are raising civil rights concerns for criminalizing students and replacing support systems with punitive monitoring.
Posted inCommentary
Black boys matter: Why are they disappearing from schools?
The absence of young Black men in college reflects a long-standing pattern of systemic exclusion that begins in early childhood, with disproportionate discipline and a lack of support in K–12 education. Experts call for reimagining schools as spaces of healing, affirmation and culturally sustaining education that honor the full humanity of Black boys.
Posted inWord In Black
College inclusion, equity and diversity probes undermine high school success
By Quintessa WilliamsWord in Black When the Department of Education announced in March that they would investigate admissions practices at 50 of the nation’s elite colleges and universities, it declared that school equity, diversity and inclusion policies exclude qualified White and Asian college-bound students from campus. Implied but not stated in the directive, experts say, […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
College diversity, equity and inclusion probes undermine Black high school success
The Department of Education’s investigation into elite college admissions has reignited harmful assumptions that Black students don’t earn their spots, despite rising graduation rates and academic gains. Experts argue these biases ignore systemic inequities in education access and funding, and call for solutions that expand opportunity rather than question who deserves it.
Posted inWord In Black
California’s student crisis is everyone’s problem
Despite progressive policies, Califorina’s Black students lag decades behind in achievement.
Posted inBooks
Nine books for students to look out for in 2025
Nine upcoming books for Black K-12 students are set to be published in 2025, featuring diverse narratives that celebrate culture, history, and personal growth, empowering students to see themselves reflected and represented in literature.
Posted inEducation
How to make report cards less stressful for students
Teachers can make report card time a positive and supportive experience for Black students by encouraging open and affirming conversations, setting realistic and personalized goals, providing access to resources and support networks, and fostering a positive growth mindset.
Posted inBooks
Six culturally relevant holiday books to add to your gift list
This holiday season, consider gifting Black K-12 students books that celebrate Black heritage, provide a sense of belonging, and inspire them to make a difference in their communities.
Posted in2024 Elections
Education on the ballot: Here’s what passed
Voters across the nation decided on measures impacting K-12 schools and the educational futures of Black students, with some states approving school choice, eliminating standardized testing requirements, and increasing school funding.
Posted inEducation
Racist rumors, bomb threats and their toll on Black students
Springfield City School District has been disrupted by unfounded rumors of Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pets, leading to bomb threats and evacuations, which have disproportionately impacted students of color.