News
To reverse DC’s decline in math outcomes, we need a strategic, citywide approach to support the unique needs of DC students, starting with the establishment of a Math Task Force.
Jessica Giles, executive director of Education Reform Now D.C., said the lack of special education in prisons reflects a larger citywide inequity. Whether or not they’re incarcerated, students with disabilities in D.C. have limited access to education. That’s due in part due to growing vacancies in special education roles, which factor into growing teacher turnover rates overall. “The failures of education start from a very young age,” she said
In 2022, Black fourth-graders scored 69 points lower than their white peers, a gap that hasn’t budged significantly since 1998. The disparity between children poor enough to qualify for free school meals and those who are not is now 56 points, 14 points larger than in 1998. The trend for eighth grade is similar.
Testimonials
“The urgency of our situation is clear. 78% of our students can’t do grade level math, 66% aren’t proficient in English Language Arts, and there is a shocking 49.8% illiteracy rate for adults in wards 7 and 8. That is relevant to our community because we want to empower our residents to thrive in life and D.C. families demand change.”
Despite some progress, only 30% of adults in D.C. have obtained a bachelor's degree over the past two decades, and educational attainment gaps persist. With just one in four young adults holding a degree, yet 58% of jobs requiring one, the need for strengthening math, literacy, and dual enrollment programs is clear. Currently, only 7% of public high school students participate in publicly funded dual enrollment programs.
At ERNA, we prioritize students’ needs—no matter where they live or which school they attend. That is why we are particularly concerned about subtitle (IV)(A), which delays equitable funding between DCPS and public charter schools until fiscal year 2029 and subtitle (IV)(K), which repeals the public charter facility allowance after fiscal year 2025.
Press Statements
Jessica Giles issued a statement on the "Mathematics Education Improvement Amendment Act of 2024," introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker.
“I am thrilled to see the Mathematics Education Improvement Amendment Act of 2024 move forward, especially as we face the grim reality that more than three out of four of our students are currently underperforming in mathematics. This bill is a critical first step towards addressing this issue by assembling a task force of experts dedicated to improving our math education framework. Our children deserve the highest standard of education to prepare them for successful futures, and this bill lays down the foundation to achieve just that.”
DFER DC announced its endorsement of three education reform champions on the June Democratic primary ballot who have demonstrated a commitment to prioritizing the pressing challenges facing the District’s students.
After a thorough selection process that included in-depth interviews and comprehensive questionnaires, these candidates have shown alignment with the educational priorities requiring action, specifically, improving literacy and math outcomes, increasing student attendance, expanding pathways to college and high-wage careers, and protecting public school choice.
“We applaud Mayor Bowser for her evidence-based investments aimed at tackling education’s most pressing issues: attendance and achievement. By directing substantial resources into high-impact tutoring, expanding the Advanced Technical Center to ward eight, and opening up additional career pathways, these initiatives will address and improve education and career outcomes for D.C. students, particularly for students of color who have historically lagged behind. Mayor Bowser’s commitment today lays a solid foundation for our students’ long-term success.”