Achievement gap the focus of community conversation

Hoping to more fully engage the community in the effort to close the achievement gap between African American and white learners, the Cedar Rapids Community School District is joining with the National Education Association to host a unique Community Conversation, on Thursday May 6 at the African American History Museum.

The free dinner and discussion will be held from 5-8 p.m. and is open to all members of the community who have an interest in working together to address the achievement gap issue. Childcare will be provided onsite and transportation to and from the event is also being offered.

“This is a serious issue for our community. We know that our African American students are scoring lower on achievement tests in comparison to our white students,” explained Aaron Green, Director of Student Equity. “Fewer are also choosing advance placement courses in high school or taking the ACT. We need to come together as a community to candidly talk about the reasons why and to identify successful solutions.”

The Community Conversation is being organized with support from local business leaders, the Diversity Focus organization, and several Cedar Rapids faith communities, including Mt. Zion Church, Oak Hill Community Church, Living Waters Church, Bethel AME Church.

“It is imperative that we all work together for the good of ALL the students in our community,” added Tammy Wawro, president of CREA. “It is time we come together as one so our students see us focused on their learning and their future. Teachers need the help of the community and our community needs our teachers to understand their needs. Together we hope to stop just talking about the issue and move to collective action.”

The core planning group has included a culturally-diverse group of District teachers, PTA representatives, community leaders, parents, and grandparents. Funding for the program is from a NEA public engagement grant that specifically focuses on achievement at McKinley Middle School. Families at the elementary schools that feed into McKinley, as well as Washington and Metro high schools are being directly invited to participate.

“I look forward to extending our community conversation around the achievement gap issues and appreciate the participation of the various community groups and the financial support by the NEA through our local CREA affiliate, said Dr. Dave Benson, Superintendent.”

The dinner will begin at 5 p.m. with small group discussions starting at 5:30 p.m. Moderators will guide the conversation and record every comment but candid input will be key to identifying next steps.

To find out more about the Community Conversation event or register for either transportation or childcare, please call 319-558-2249.