Colorblind Education

Should the race of the student make a difference in their academic performance? There is no significant difference between minority and white home schooled students. For example, in grades K-12, both white and minority students scored, on the average, in the 87th percentile. In the public schools, however, there is a sharp disparity. White public school eighth grade students, nationally scored the 58th percentile in math and the 57th percentile in reading. Black eighth grade students, on the other hand, scored on the average at the 24th percentile in math and the 28th percentile in reading. Hispanics scored at the 29th percentile in math and the 28th percentile in reading. [“Strengths of Their Own: Home Schoolers Across America"  1997]

Now more than ever

This trend could result in a shortage of trained scientists and engineers to meet rising demand for such skills and, ultimately, "threaten the economic welfare and security of our country," according to a 2004 National Science Board report. This is occurring at the same time that the generation of scientists and engineers, who were motivated by the space race during the 1960s, are beginning to retire.

Perhaps more important than economic prosperity and security, the ability to lead the world is at stake. Just one example - NASA cannot pursue its mission of understanding the environment or exploring the solar system without American citizens with an education in the sciences.