The Equity Line contains original analyses, commentary, and “on the ground” stories of students, parents, educators, and activists all over the nation striving to improve education. It chronicles our efforts, as well as those of partners and friends who are working toward the shared goal of closing gaps.
For Black Children, Attending School Is an Act of Racial Justice
As a seemingly twisted way to ring in 2019, the Trump administration has sent a loud and clear message that it’s okay for educators and school leaders to keep …
Aiming for Equity: A New Resolution for Statewide Degree Attainment Goals
by Katie BergerIt’s a new year — a time for bold resolutions and renewed commitments. January also marks the start of new legislative sessions in D.C. and in state houses acr…
Profile in Education Equity: Nicole Jimerson of The Ari Advocacy Center
by Ed TrustNicole Jimerson, Ed.S., is the founder of The Ari Advocacy Center, which helps North Carolina families of children with disabilities or special needs. As the m…
Profile in Education Equity: Rich Buery, Chief of Policy and Public Affairs, KIPP Foundation
by Ed TrustIn his role at the KIPP Foundation, Richard Buery advocates for policies that make it easier for students from underserved communities to have access to high-q…
Introducing the Ed Trust Family Fellowship
by Ebony Daughtry and Ivy EllisAs Black moms, we know the importance of being an advocate for your child. To be sure your child is getting the best educational opportunities and resources, p…
How to Keep Students Motivated
A former student of mine recently instant messaged me with news that she and a few of her classmates were sharing memories about my eighth grade class. My bloo…
What Should Be on the 116th Congress’ To-Do List?
Now that 2019 is here, we have a better sense of what things will look like in D.C. for the next two years. With Democrats taking the House, Rep. Bobby Scott (…
LGBTQ Students of Color Speak Up
What does it mean to be young, gifted, and Black — when you’re also queer? This was the question posed to intersectional high school and college students at Du…
Voting vs. Activism: Black College Students Weigh In
The 2018 midterm elections are almost here, and early voting has already begun in some states. Voter enthusiasm is at an all-time high—many are calling it the …
The Role of Choice and Relevancy in Student Assignment
by Jack FlemingFor students to thrive and achieve at high levels in school, they must be interested and emotionally invested in their own learning.Why? Because motivation, or…
How Teacher Shortages and Teacher Turnover Affect Students
by Rachel Metz“To hear Trina’s counselor say they haven’t offered a senior science class for the LAST THREE YEARS, I am flabbergasted. Then they wonder why their students ha…
Profile in Education Equity: High School Senior, Chandler Nutall
by Ed TrustChandler Nutall is a senior at School Without Walls Senior High School, located in Washington, D.C. She is also a sophomore at The George Washington University…
Q&A with Ricky Castro, 2017 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Ricardo “Ricky” Castro is a Spanish, Dual Language, and ESL teacher at Elk Grove High School, just outside Chicago, which is 42 percent low income and 46 perce…
Educational Justice: Which Are You — an Advocate, Ally, or Activist?
by Sharif El-MekkiI often describe myself as an activist and a teacher. Why? Because I firmly believe that a quality education is a basic human right that has been historically …
Serena Williams and the Audacity to be a Black Woman or Girl with a Voice
By now, we all know what happened in the women’s final match at the US Open. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that what Serena Williams experienced on…
Q&A with Erika McConduit, Louisiana Director, The Education Trust
Why are you so passionate about social justice in education?Social justice is something that has been a part of me throughout my life. I grew up in New Orleans…
Profile in Education Equity: Ohio State Senator Peggy Lehner
This summer, Ohio legislators passed a bill that bans expulsions and out-of-school suspensions for students in kindergarten through third grade. Ohio now joins…
10 Key Takeaways on Degree Attainment for Latino Adults
As we stated previously, there are many benefits to having a college degree, both on an individual and societal level. Noting the economic and social benefits …
7 Key Takeaways on Degree Attainment for Black Adults
The individual benefits of earning a college degree are well known, but the larger social benefits that are associated with a better educated population are of…
3 Ways States Can Improve Degree Attainment for Blacks and Latinos
In the U.S., if you are Black, you are two-thirds as likely to hold a college degree as someone who is White; if you are Latino, you are half as likely. While …
