Rep. Yvette D. Clarke Fighting to Improve Our Nation's Education

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) Education Brain Trust at the 40th Annual Legislative Conference. There, leaders in education policy gathered to discuss the problems facing America's schools and exchanged solutions. Rep. Clarke released the following statement:

"Our nation's graduation rates are far too low. One in three students who enter ninth grade fails to graduate from high school in four years. The statistics are worse for African-American and Hispanic students. In New York City, almost half of African-American and Hispanic students fail to graduate from high school in four years.

"It is apparent that our current educational system poorly serves children of color and extracts a tremendous socio-economic cost, not only to minority communities, but also to American society as a whole.

"That is why I am so excited that this year, we have chosen to focus on the positive things that our students and their schools are doing. We are focusing on schools and policies that work! Schools that are graduating high achieving African-American students in four years. Today, you will hear from experts and practitioners who will share their knowledge of what works to ensure that our students are prepared to succeed in school and in life.

"I want this afternoon's discussion to empower each and every one of you, by providing not only insight into what is working in our schools, but more importantly, provide you with the tools needed to fix broken schools. It is my hope that you will take these tools back to your hometown and use them in your schools.

"If we come together and work towards change, all of our children can graduate on time and all of our schools can be like the high performing schools that you will learn about today."

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