Closing the achievement gap is one of the top legislative priorities Indiana’s black lawmakers want to address this session.
Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus unveiled its agenda this week.
“The achievement gap between African American students and their non-Black peers has been a problem in Indiana for generations, but was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we are challenged to not just bring African American students and students of color back to the level they were academically pre-pandemic, but to help elevate them to the same level as their white peers,” Caucus Chairman Earl Harris said. “Emphasizing the importance of educational achievement will not just help our kids in the classroom, but will open doors for them professionally, as well. When Indiana’s workforce is more educated and highly trained, all Hoosiers benefit.”
SDuring the press conference, members of the IBLC discussed House Bill 1499, authored by Harris, which would allow qualifying students to be automatically enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars program. House Bills 1571 and 1153, authored by Reps. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), respectively, were also highlighted. House Bill 1571 creates the reading specialist certification fund, which allows eligible teachers to apply for a grant to obtain certification to help students enhance their reading and writing abilities. House Bill 1153 establishes the Division of Educational Opportunity and Academic Success to assess cultural competency in public schools. Every year, colleges and universities would be assessed to determine how they are preparing future educators to be able to effectively teach and communicate children from various cultural backgrounds.
You can hear the lawmakers in the Leon-Tailored Audio. It runs about 16 minutes.
