The Aim of Urban School Reform

A profoundly disturbing report from the College Board declared that African-American children lag behind whites academically at every level of education. The academic achievement gap even extends to middle class suburbs. It is a situation that is unacceptable and unsustainable. The thrust of federal, state and local education policy from this day forward should be to enable educators to practice their profession so children can realize their academic potential. The National Urban League's reform agenda includes: 1. Assert no-nonsense state leadership. 2. "Characterize" all urban schools. 3. Professionalize the teaching profession.