ISTEP scores were just released and the results for African-American students in Indianapolis are distressingly low. So bad in fact, none of the school districts, with the exception of Speedway, have more than one-third of their African-American students passing both the math and English Language Arts exams. The combined math and ELA ISTEP+ state pass rate for Blacks in grades 3-8 is a dismal 24.8 percent — compared to 50.7 percent for all students and 58 percent for white students across the state.
Black children are struggling and the data prove that they are not being served equitably across the board — regardless of geographic location. The notion that Black children in suburban or township districts are performing exceedingly above standard is simply not true. It is one of the biggest myths present today. In Washington Township, for example, 25 percent of Black students passed both ISTEP+ exams, compared to 74 percent of white students. That’s a stunning gap of 49 percentage points.
Such alarming statistics should be a wake-up call for individuals who have become complacent about education. These data should force naysayers who oppose changes to our current education system to acknowledge the quality of education, or rather the lack thereof, that children in this city are receiving.
When I initially saw the latest ISTEP results, I literally became weak and tears began welling up in my eyes. I had to walk away from the data numerous times because of the emotions I felt. The data were a lot to process and it weighed heavily on my heart. I was baffled by the achievement gaps that exist between white and Black students as well as the vast gaps between students of all ethnicities who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who pay. Our children are in crisis and it is up to adults to correct the education inequities students experience. They deserve us fighting for them.
The numbers speak for themselves and they are screaming “help” in a very clear and urgent manner. Obviously, the same old education approach hasn’t been effective for years — really generations. We have to think differently about how we educate children, specifically Black children.
For example, mayor-sponsored charter schools in Indianapolis have among the highest percentages of pass rates in the city for African-American students while also serving a higher percentage of Black students than any Indianapolis district. A study from Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes notes Black students gain more days in reading and math at charter public schools which contributes to stronger academic results, particularly among poor students of color. These schools must continue to improve, but they show that it’s possible to change the status quo.
It’s likely that Black students are achieving greater success in charter schools for many reasons. For one, the mayor’s office holds its charter schools accountable for serving all types of students, with an accountability framework that specifically analyzes racial achievement gaps. Additionally, in Indianapolis, many charter schools place an intentional focus on hiring a greater proportion of teachers and leaders who identify as Black and incorporating instructional strategies and curriculum materials that celebrate Black culture. As supported by research, I strongly believe having more school leaders of color developing curriculum and setting expectations for students who look like them also contributes to the success of Blacks in charter schools.
I recently left an extensive career in the media industry to join a local education nonprofit dedicated to providing all kids with access to quality education. Education doesn’t have to be controversial, it doesn’t have to be political and it doesn’t have to be contrite. It just needs to be effective. Much of what has been done in the education landscape has not been effective, especially when it comes to Black students. That is why I am proud to be part of an organization that is setting standards that others around the country are replicating. Currently The Mind Trust is supporting a cohort of future school leaders that is predominately African-American and overwhelmingly female. However, beyond their race or gender, the cohort consists of talented and dedicated education professionals who want what is best for children, are dedicated to the cause of equity, and are committed to doing the hard work necessary to have students reach higher levels of success.
I am proud of our current group of education leaders and I am also proud of the relationship The Mind Trust has with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), which serves many of the city’s Black students.
Just like other districts in the city, IPS’ ISTEP pass rates are low, however, the city’s largest district is making the dramatic changes necessary through its partnership with The Mind Trust and the Mayor’s Office to launch Innovation Network Schools which allows school leaders within the district greater flexibility to make decisions based on the needs of a school’s student body.
There is a lot of work needed to improve test scores for local students and revamp education in general. Hopefully, the most recent data will be a call to action that not only mandates the acknowledgement of necessary and effective change, but also ignites a fire in all of us to be the change agents responsible for revamping the education landscape.
Our children’s tomorrow depends on the actions we take today.
Shannon Williams is senior vice president of community engagement at The Mind Trust.
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