Dr. Ivory Toldson challenges the use of the achievement gap term, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes and sets Black students as less competent than white students, and instead advocates for alternative terms that accurately reflect the root causes of educational disparities.
Author Archives: Quintessa Williams
Posted inEducation
Black Students Are Punished More, Then Expected to Succeed
Black students are disproportionately punished with disciplinary actions, leading to decreased academic performance and a widening achievement gap between Black and white students.
Posted inWord In Black
Sorry, Your Kid Probably Doesn’t Read Proficiently
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 30% of all fourth graders and 29% of all eighth graders nationwide scored at or above proficient in reading, with Black students being the most affected, highlighting a need for better instructional strategies and more resources in under-resourced schools.
Posted inHomepage
The Fight for Free School Meals: What’s at Stake for Black Students
The Free Breakfast for School Children Program, started by the Black Panther Party in 1969, has influenced the School Breakfast Program and the Community Eligibility Provision, making it easier for low-income students to access free school meals, but critics argue that scaling back these programs would further heighten racial and economic disparities.
Posted inHomepage
Trump’s DEI Rollback and Its Ripple Effect on K-12 EducationÂ
Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could have devastating consequences for Black students’ academic and emotional well-being, and communities need to organize to put meaningful resources behind diversifying education.
Posted inEducation
When School Choice Becomes ‘Picking Your Poison’
Black parents face challenges in choosing a school for their children due to racial inequalities and systemic injustice, with most underfunded schools in diverse neighborhoods lacking critical resources and predominantly white schools offering advanced courses and experienced teachers.
Posted inWord In Black
After Schools Burn, What Happens to Black Students?
The Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire have impacted Black communities in Los Angeles, causing displacement, learning loss, and increased risk of PTSD, while the federal aid distribution system is stacked against them, leading to further racial inequities in education.
Posted inEducation
4 Tips on Addressing Racism in Schools
Black parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s safety and well-being in America’s education system due to recent incidents of racial harassment and Trump’s re-election, and experts recommend strategies such as knowing school policies, documenting incidents, seeking mental health support, and knowing advocacy and legal resources.
Posted inHomepage
20 Inspirational Quotes to Start Black Students Strong in 2025
20 Inspirational Quotes to Start Black Students Strong in 2025 provide words of encouragement and wisdom to uplift and foster a sense of identity and pride in Black students.
Posted inEducation
Five Education Moments That Impacted Black Students in 2024
In 2024, Black K-12 education faced significant moments that shaped the educational environment for Black students, including the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, laws restricting the teaching of AP African American Studies, persistent disparities in school discipline, racist text messages sent to Black students, and the nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education.
