Kristina Gawrgy

202-350-8857

May 14, 2009   

(Washington, D.C.) – As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education on May 17, we recognize the many changes in our society and our schools are a result of that historic decision. Now we must commit ourselves with even greater energy to the promises and opportunities of Brown that remain unfulfilled for too many of our nation's children.

 

The call for high academic standards for all students, and for schools to be accountable for students' academic success, is the right one. But the path to that goal is severely hindered by insufficient public investment in our schools and in the well being of our children before they reach the schoolhouse door. Research clearly shows that high-quality early childhood programs make a significant difference in children's early literacy, math skills, and behavior, and bring later cost savings by reducing the need for special education and lowering juvenile delinquency.

 

The "opportunity of an education," which the Brown decision established as a right of all Americans, involves many other factors. To ensure that opportunity, we as a nation must provide adequate and equitable resources to help all families and children - regardless of race, income, disability, or ethnicity - have access to quality child care, affordable housing in safe neighborhoods, health and mental health care, stable jobs with living wages, and schools that help students achieve high expectations, become good citizens, and prepare for higher education and good employment.

 

In 1954, the Supreme Court called education "perhaps the most important function of state and local governments." Today, it is widely recognized as a crucial function of the federal government as well. At all levels of government, and in all sectors of society, we must renew our commitment to providing all children the opportunity of quality education, beginning from their earliest years.

 

 

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