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Report Shows Virginia Kids are Stuck in Poor-performing Schools

(Washington, D.C.) According to a recent report, Virginia students in high poverty schools have less experienced instructors, and less access to high level science, math, and advanced placement courses. Students in high poverty schools also experience worse outcomes in attendance, school performance, and graduation rates. Alarmingly, it’s largely Virginia’s Black and Hispanic students that are being deprived of the opportunity to pursue their goals and career ambitions. That’s because students of color are extremely over-represented in high poverty schools. About one out of every six students of color (15 percent) in Virginia attended a high-poverty school in the 2013-2014 school year, as did more than one out of every five (22 percent) Black students — compared to just 3 percent of White students.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“All of our kids deserve access to a quality education that will allow them to excel and achieve their American Dream. Unfortunately, too many Virginia students are locked into underperforming schools, and the data clearly show they are being left behind. Instead of helping them access greater educational opportunity, the state’s elected officials have blocked educational freedom policies. This is wrong. Allowing families to choose the best education for their kids would help Hispanic students – and others – to succeed. This is why the LIBRE Initiative is proud to be part of the fight to expand educational freedom and allow more students to succeed.”

For interviews with a representative from The LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463

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