Minnesota students traditionally perform at the top on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, but what these statewide averages conceal is that students of color consistently score at rates far below their white classmates. This disparity, both in academic performance, as well as fiscal investment, is commonly known as the achievement gap. It occurs all across the United States, but Minnesota's case is particularly interesting, given how wide the gap is, and how despite it, taken as an aggregate, our students remain top performers.
For an opportunity to further discuss this issue, and its far-reaching implications on employment, education, economic vitality, and more, attend the panel discussion highlighted below, hosted this Wednesday at Macalester College.
Closing the Achievement Gap
What: What are the most important things to be done to close performance gaps linked to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, while still promoting overall progress?
When: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 4:30 pm
- Carlos Mariani, chair, Minnesota House K-12 Education Committee, 1979 Macalester graduate
- Valeria Silva, superintendent, St. Paul Public Schools
- Mary Cathryn Ricker, president, St. Paul Federation of Teachers
- Bill Wilson, director, Higher Ground Academy, former St. Paul City Council president
- Chris Coleman, mayor, city of St. Paul
Where: Macalester College
Alexander Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons
1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, Minn.
Contact: Barbara K. Laskin, Macalester College, 651-696-6451
Sponsored by: Macalester’s American Studies, Educational Studies, History, Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Multicultural Life and Political Science Departments, the Civic Engagement Center, and the Center for School Change.