Why Do Schools Keep Failing Black Kids? – The Washington Informer

Report on Educational Challenges Facing Black Students and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implications

Overview of Current Educational Disparities

Recent data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book highlights significant educational challenges faced by Black K-12 students in the United States. These challenges include low proficiency in math and reading, a widening opportunity gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and disparities in early childhood education and high school graduation rates.

1. Math proficiency: 9 in 10 Black eighth-graders are not proficient in math.
2. Reading proficiency: 85% of Black fourth-graders are not reading at grade level, the lowest among racial groups.
3. Preschool enrollment: More than half of Black toddlers are not enrolled in preschool.
4. High school graduation: Nearly 20% of Black high school students do not graduate on time, almost double the rate of their white peers.

Systemic Inequities Affecting Black Students

Systemic racial inequities and poverty-related challenges contribute significantly to these educational disparities. Key factors include:

• Limited access to early childhood education, with 53% of Black 3- and 4-year-olds not enrolled in preschool.
• Reduced opportunities for advanced coursework and disproportionate disciplinary actions.
• Underfunded classrooms and over-surveillance in schools serving Black students.
• Food insecurity and unstable housing, which negatively impact students’ ability to concentrate and learn effectively.

Feed the Children reports that food insecurity correlates with lower academic performance, increased absenteeism, and emotional and social setbacks, all of which hinder educational attainment.

Linkages to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The challenges outlined align closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing poverty-related barriers such as food insecurity and housing instability that affect educational outcomes.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Tackling child hunger to improve concentration and academic success.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Confronting systemic racial disparities in education and resource allocation.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Providing access to healthcare, including vision care, to support learning.

Recommendations for Addressing Disparities

To improve educational outcomes for Black students and advance the SDGs, the following actions are recommended:

1. Increase access to quality early childhood education programs for Black toddlers.
2. Implement targeted interventions to reduce disciplinary disparities and expand advanced coursework opportunities.
3. Enhance funding and resources for schools serving Black communities.
4. Address food insecurity and housing instability through coordinated social support programs.
5. Utilize data-driven approaches to identify and confront racial disparities in education.
6. Engage policymakers, educators, parents, and advocates in sustained efforts to prioritize equity and inclusion.

Positive Developments and Call to Action

Despite ongoing challenges, some progress has been noted, including improvements in on-time graduation rates and reduced disconnection from school or workforce among Black youth, particularly in areas with strong local investments in youth programs.

Leslie Boissiere, Vice President of External Affairs at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, emphasizes the urgency of leveraging existing resources and research to make equitable education a national priority. She advocates for collective action to ensure that all children, regardless of race or location, have the opportunity to thrive.

Conclusion

Addressing the educational disparities faced by Black students is critical to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Systemic reforms, coupled with social support and community engagement, are essential to closing the opportunity gap and fostering an equitable education system that empowers all children to succeed.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on educational disparities affecting Black K-12 students, including proficiency in math and reading, preschool enrollment, and high school graduation rates.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • It highlights the impact of poverty-related issues such as food insecurity and unstable housing on students’ ability to succeed academically.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Food insecurity is directly linked to lower academic performance and absenteeism among Black students.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses systemic racial inequities in education and the need to confront disparities faced by Black students.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Access to quality healthcare and nutrition is mentioned as essential for children to thrive academically and socially.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including racial minorities.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including children, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Education Proficiency and Enrollment Indicators
   • Percentage of Black eighth-graders proficient in math (9 in 10 not proficient).
   • Percentage of Black fourth-graders reading at grade level (85% not proficient).
   • Preschool enrollment rates of Black 3- and 4-year-olds (53% not enrolled).
   • On-time high school graduation rates among Black students (nearly 20% not graduating on time).
   • Rates of students disconnected from school or workforce.
2. Indicators Related to Poverty and Hunger
   • Food insecurity rates among Black children and its impact on school attendance and academic performance.
   • Access to essential resources such as healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
3. Indicators on Inequality and Inclusion
   • Disparities in access to advanced coursework, discipline rates, and classroom funding.
   • Measures of systemic racial disparities in education outcomes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: washingtoninformer.com