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Diversifying teachers to close the achievement gap

Earned opportunity
Danaya Harvey (left), Alana Ingram-Diego (center) and Ta'Vasia Johnson play a game of Mancala during a free period at Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary in St. Paul, Minn., on May 20, 2011.
MPR Photo/Nikki Tundel

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Last month, State Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, chair of the Senate Education Committee, called for a diversified teacher pool to counteract Minnesota's educational achievement gap.

"To me, the conversation about the achievement gap has become a rhetorical conversation," she told the Pioneer Press. "We get together and shame ourselves, but we haven't taken specific actions. This is a specific action."

As of 2012, students of color made up 36 percent of metro-area public school enrollment, up from 26 percent in 2001. But 94 percent of the teachers are white.

On The Daily Circuit, we talk about the persistent achievement gap, and what other measures can be put into place to counteract the problem.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP:

• Education commissioner points to achievement-gap progress

Minnesota has long had some of the nation's largest academic performance gaps between white students and students of color. But it might be time to stop referring to the state as having the "worst in the nation," Commissioner Brenda Cassellius told MPR News. (MPR News)

• Minnesota's achievement gap: Asking the right questions

Standards for aircraft differ based on what a plane is going to do. Why not for students? (Star Tribune)

• Bemidji School Board OKs new courses, staff to narrow achievement gap

Following a unanimous vote by the Bemidji School Board on Monday, steps now are being taken to add courses and teachers for the remainder of this school year with the intent of narrowing the achievement gap for American Indian students, special-education students and those who receive free and reduced lunch in the district. (Bemidji Pioneer)