Despite making significant strides in the past several decades, Southerners remain concerned about the quality of education in their states, according to a recent report by a network of Southern state-based organizations called the Columbia Group.
The report, “Accelerating the Pace: The Future of Education in the American South,” found that student achievement has improved significantly, but overall achievement gaps have widened in some states, especially between affluent and white students and their low-income or minority peers.
“If schools do not help more students catch up more quickly – even as they raise expectations for all children – the region’s economic prospects will worsen,” the report states. “In some areas, they already have.”
Commissioned by groups including the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, the report includes the first Education Poll of the South. Conducted last fall in 11 states across the Southeast, it surveyed more than 2,000 voters on their thoughts and priorities regarding education.
Respondents rated “improving K-12 public education” and “improving the economy and creating jobs” as the top two priorities they want state and local elected officials to address.