7 NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUEIn the United States, public education is the major common system we offer families, children, and young people for equalizing opportunity. The United States is unique among developed nations in offering pre-K through post-secondary systems of public schools and institutions that are open to all students. But the nation’s institutions have struggled to provide not only equitable access to high-quality settings, teaching and opportunity, but also excellence to all students despite where they live, their background, or the amount their parents earn. In too many cases, community and family income are all too accurate predictors of the kinds of educational investments and outcomes students, families and communities can expect. However, the National Urban League is still convinced of the power of education as the “great equalizer.”RECOMMENDATIONSA. DEEPEN AND EXPAND THE INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION• Double Title I funding and prevent the funds from evolving into a block grant, so that students, communities, and schools receive adequate funding to produce better college and career outcomes. • Increase funding for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants to $1 billion dollars, so that states and districts can provide students with a well-rounded education, strengthen school conditions for learning, and improve the effective use of technology in education. • Fully fund the Hawkins Centers of Excellence program, which would provide grants to minority-serving institutions that prepare teachers to improve their programs, and increase the number of minority teachers in the profession. B. EVERY CHILD GETS A GREAT EARLY START• Increase funding for the Head Start program to $10 billion so all eligible families can access it.• Expand the ESSA pre-K program, so that every child has access to a high-quality, full-day pre-K program.• Professionalize the early childhood and child care workforce by encouraging career lattices for current childcare workers, certification and salary increases in the field.EDUCATION & CHILDREN
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