Press Releases and Statements

Statement from The Education Trust on the Upcoming Announcement of the Finalists for "Race to the Top" Grants

“Race to the Top” grants have the potential to elevate ambitious reforms that place the needs of children—especially our most vulnerable—ahead of accommodations for adults. But for reforms to succeed, rigorous evaluation of the competitive grant finalists that will be announced later today is absolutely critical.

The great promise of Race to the Top—and the unprecedented resources it will distribute—is the opportunity to drive meaningful and powerful change for students.

Analysis Shows Varying Rates of Improvement in Low-Performing Schools

WASHINGTON (March 1, 2010) – A report released today by The Education Trust shows that schools often lumped together as “low performing” are not all alike.

Some Public Colleges and Universities Are Making Gains, Closing Gaps in Graduation Rates for Minority Students

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2010) – When choosing a college, many young people often make their decision based on popularity and prestige. What they may not consider is the school’s track record in actually graduating students.

For students of color, this issue is particularly important: Nationally, only about 40 percent of underrepresented minority, or URM, students (African American, Latino, and Native American) earn a bachelor’s degree within six years. The figure for nonminority students is more than 60 percent.

America’s Most Prestigious Public Universities Are Decreasing Representation of Low-Income Students and Spending More Institutional Aid on Students From Wealthier Families

WASHINGTON (January 13, 2010) – Right now, Congress is working to pass legislation that would increase the amount of federal financial aid awarded to low-income students to help them attend college. But efforts on Capitol Hill to make college more affordable are being undermined by a very different set of priorities at some of our nation’s most prestigious public universities.

Achievement Gap Analysis Shows Some States May Be Better Positioned for Higher Scores on Race to the Top Applications

WASHINGTON (January 7, 2010) – As state leaders put the finishing touches on applications for federal Race to the Top (RTT) funding, many recognize that they will never achieve the excellence the Obama administration seeks without focusing their proposals squarely on equity for low-income students and students of color.

Sheepskins Should Trump Pigskins: Youth, Nation Have Stake in "Graduation Championship Series"

WASHINGTON (January 5, 2010) – Each fall, millions of young fans watch as their favorite colleges and universities vie on the gridiron for bragging rights in the national rankings. They dream of the excitement that comes from attending a top-ranked football power. They dream of being winners.

Statement by Kati Haycock, President of The Education Trust, On the Announcement of the Intent to Nominate Russlynn Ali as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

WASHINGTON (February 4, 2009) – I could not be more delighted by today’s announcement of the intent to nominate Russlynn Ali as the assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education. With this appointment, the Obama administration is sending a clear signal that they are focused like a laser on the achievement and opportunity gaps in America’s schools—gaps that we must close if our nation is ever to live up to the ideals upon which it was founded.