It passed unanimously in the House and Senate last session and was a top priority for the African-American community. House Bill 2722 addressed the African-American achievement gap by supporting an in-depth look at inequities and disproportionality among African-American youth. The bill established an advisory committee that created a strategic plan to close the gap. See the committee’s final report to the state Legislature.
“This was not an easy task, and I am truly impressed with all of the work the committee has done,” said Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Seattle, the prime sponsor of HB 2722. “My hope is that this will have a significant impact on addressing educational struggles among African-American youth. This is a stepping stone in a road map to additional development and advocacy for African-Americans in the educational system.”
You can read the original press release from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Four other groups are also wrapping up reports about how to address the achievement gap among Asian American, Pacific Islander American, Native American and Hispanic American students in our schools. The House Education Committee will hear the findings and recommendations of the five Achievement Gap study reports on Monday, January 19, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in Hearing Room A of the John L. O’Brien Building in Olympia.
