# data[].attributes.body
While reading the article, it broke my heart. I did not even know that schools could legally operate without a school counselor, nurse, security officer , or psychologist. Schools should be emotionally and physically safe for students to attend. The percentage of colored students who attended high school post covid and as well as were enrolled in AP classes, was a shockingly low number. Also it was disheartening that certain schools do not have certain courses and STEM classes. All students should have the opportunity to access resources, courses, safety and support, help and support from counselors.

# data[].attributes.body
As I was reading the article I wasn’t shocked by the numbers of inequity I was seeing but I did have a ‘it’s getting better’ thought because as a black woman I was in the honors and AP STEM classes. However, the more I read and really reflected and compared what I was reading to my high school and even college experience I realized that I was the exception. Even though my high school and classes were diverse when in came to honors and AP classes, half of the class was white, majority of our teachers were white, and I was 1 of the 2 black girls in the class. I am an Earth science content for education and got my minor in sustainability and of all of my science classes I had only 1 where there were 3 of us black woman.

When reading about the school counselors I was annoyed, irritated, and understanding all at the same time… and here’s why. Yes, school counselors are important but are vital when proactive. Growing up and now in my placement I see school counselors in action after the fact. Have they caught crisis kids and do they help? Yes, but when called for. For example, one of our students was just going through a really hard time. She was constantly going to the bathroom to cry, wasn’t participating, and was being very dependent which was SO out of character for her. We talked to mom who said she’s having nightmares and a hard time sleeping, and talk to the counselor relaying behavior and everything mom said. A little over 2 weeks later the counselor finally calls to speak with the student, the counselor has yet to check back in, that was 2024. Also the initiatives the counselor tries to implement they themselves don’t do it, they put it on the teacher to bring to the students attention. The article talks about how schools are hiring security guards when they have no counselor or nurse but which the constant school shootings and no gun laws going into effect to protect children in schools districts are upping security. When parents, teachers, and students don’t know if that day they go to school could be their last, I can see and relate to why a safety officer triumphs a counselor or nurse.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the article and similar articles about the topic in other classes and research, I think it is very important to address these issues. Students should have access to all education and the correct and necessary resources. When the article talked about how students do not have access to certain STEM classes in P-12 I found it very shocking that they do not even have those courses available in some schools even though it is a required course in certain grades. I also found it very shocking when the article discussed how some schools do not offer counseling and do not have school counselors. Along side students receiving the correct education and courses, student should have access to counseling and someone to talk to in the school. To do good and feel good at school, students need to feel good emotionally and physically. If something is going on or something happened they need that outlet to be able to discuss and figure things out.  Although all these things that are going on and inequalities through the school system are shocking to read at first, they are not that surprising because it is a well known topic that does not seem to be getting fixed. these inequalities need to be not only discussed but solved. Actions speak louder than words and many articles and people talk about these issues but then nothing happens to solve them.  All students no matter their race, gender, or etc should be offered all the resources, courses, help, and support in order to be successful in school and in life.

# data[].attributes.body
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data from the 2021-2022 school year and it revealed that Black and Latino students have less access to advanced STEM courses and fully certified teachers. These students also face higher suspensions and expulsion counts, even starting from preschool. These disparities are unacceptable, and it highlights the systemic inequities there are at school. It’s honestly disgraceful that these students continue to have less access to quality teachers and resources while also facing harsher discipline measures. These circumstances set up students for failure instead of success, which isn’t the point of school. Schools need to implement policies that ensure all students are getting equal opportunities in their education and also include better teaching training. Another important role in school is specials. When students are given the opportunity to go to gym, art, music, etc., they are able to express their emotions and learn things that sometimes they won’t be able to learn in the classroom. It also gives them a way to potentially find their passion or a hobby that they really like. Overall, change has been long overdue for situations like this, and it's up to the responsibility of policymakers and communities to demand change in the education system.

# data[].attributes.body
I dislike the widespread inequalities in education. It is one of the reasons I chose to study and work in the field of education. One of the most disappointing things about inequalities in education is the lack of certified educators. There are teachers who are not certified but are great educators. However, there are unqualified educators who bypassed the certification line and are in spaces where children are depending on them, and they are failing those children. The part of the article that highlighted the lack of certified educators are the highest in areas that students of color live, was disappointing. Another disappointing disparity is the lack of diverse representation when it comes to school staff. That could be part of the reason Black students are not met with a gentler approach when it comes to discipline.

The biggest impression left on me by the article is how young Black boys are treated with less kindness and understanding when it comes to discipline. It is disappointing to know that the lack of gentleness with Black boys starts at such a young age and is as common as it is. The article shared alot of good statistics about educational disparities. Besides the numbers that highlighted the lack of certified educators teaching children of color and the imbalance in discipline percentages, The lack of school counselors, but the presence of school officers is disheartening.

Schools should be safe and protected by officers. However, what does it say to students that they are more likely to be physically protected than emotionally protected and guided.

Something important but not mentioned in the article is how learners are underrepresented in the curriculum. As a History major, I know which communities have their stories told the most and which stories are suppressed. The inequalities in education stem from a lack of education and a an abundance of ignorance.

# data[].attributes.body
This article shines a light on the heartbreaking reality that many Black and Latino students still don't have the same access to quality education as their peers. It's frustrating that even basic opportunities, like taking Algebra I in middle school or having a certified teacher, aren't guaranteed for all students. As a student teacher, I see firsthand how much potential every child has, but barriers like these make it harder for some kids to reach that potential.

The data on discipline disparities stood out to me the most. Seeing that Black children face harsher punishments, even in preschool, is deeply unsettling. Instead of support, too many students are met with discipline that pushes them further from success. Schools should be safe places where all students feel valued and supported, not places where some feel targeted.

These issues won't change overnight, but awareness is a start. As educators, we have a responsibility to advocate for all students and push for more equitable policies. It's something I hope to carry forward in my teaching, ensuring every student in my classroom feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things.

# data[].attributes.body
In the article “What the Latest Civil Rights Data Show About Racial Disparities in Schools”, Ileana Najarro discusses how data reveals that Black and Latino students are less likely to have access to advanced STEM courses compared to their peers. Additionally, they are more likely to face suspensions or expulsions. Reading this article was disheartening, especially given how far we’ve come in addressing racial inequality over time. The fact that, in 2025, these issues persist is both disappointing and a clear reminder that educational inequality remains a significant challenge. A big takeaway from this article is that data collection like this is essential in uncovering and addressing these inequalities. But the question that still remains unanswered  is: What concrete steps can we, as future educators, take to confront these issues in our classrooms? As educators, our goal should always be to hold all students to high expectations, regardless of race, disability, or background. Every student deserves to be treated equally and given the same opportunities to succeed. At the end of the day, our job as educators goes beyond teaching academics; it’s about empowering students to reach their full potential and succeed in whatever path they pursue. To achieve this, we must actively advocate for them, fostering a classroom environment that values inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunities for all.

# data[].attributes.body
As a Hispanic student teacher working in the bilingual department, this article deeply resonates with me. The disparities highlighted in the civil rights data are not just statistics; they reflect the lived experiences of many students I work with daily.

The lack of access to advanced STEM courses in predominantly Black and Latino schools is particularly concerning. STEM education is critical for future career opportunities, yet many of our students are denied these opportunities simply because of the schools they attend. I see firsthand how students in bilingual programs, many of whom are Latino, are often overlooked when it comes to being placed in advanced courses. Language barriers and systemic biases contribute to this issue, reinforcing cycles of educational inequity.

The disparities in discipline are also alarming. The fact that Black and Latino students, including preschoolers, are disproportionately suspended and expelled is heartbreaking. This kind of harsh disciplinary action can set children on a negative trajectory, making them feel unwelcome and unsupported in the very place meant to nurture their growth. As a student teacher, I strive to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn something that should be a standard, not an exception.

Additionally, the lack of access to certified teachers is another challenge I witness in bilingual education. Many of my students require teachers who understand their linguistic and cultural backgrounds, yet schools often struggle to hire qualified bilingual educators. This shortage directly impacts students’ academic growth and emotional well-being.

This article reinforces why I am passionate about becoming a teacher. Representation matters, and students deserve equitable opportunities regardless of their race, language, or background. As I continue my journey in education, I hope to advocate for policies that address these disparities and work towards a system where all students especially those in bilingual and minority communities receive the quality education they deserve.

# data[].attributes.body
The article was a sad read. I have read similar articles in the past. It is heartbreaking that we are still dealing with such disparities in 2025.

The findings highlighted in the article underscore the persistent and systemic inequities that continue to plague our education system, particularly for Black and Latino students. The data revealing disparities in access to STEM courses, advanced coursework, and experienced teachers are not just statistics; they represent real barriers to opportunity for millions of students.

The fact that Black and Latino students are less likely to attend schools offering advanced STEM courses like calculus, physics, and chemistry is deeply troubling. These courses are often gateways to higher education and high-paying careers in fields that are critical to our economy and innovation. When students of color are systematically excluded from these opportunities, it perpetuates cycles of inequality and limits their potential to contribute to and benefit from the STEM workforce.

Moreover, the disparities in access to experienced teachers and the overrepresentation of Black students in disciplinary actions further compound these inequities. It is unacceptable that students of color are more likely to be taught by less experienced educators and face harsher disciplinary measures than their white peers. These patterns reflect broader societal biases and institutional failures that must be addressed with urgency.

To truly close these gaps, we need more than incremental changes. Policymakers, educators, and community leaders must work together to implement systemic reforms. This includes equitable funding for schools in underserved communities, targeted investments in teacher recruitment and retention, and the elimination of discriminatory disciplinary practices. Additionally, expanding access to advanced coursework and STEM opportunities for all students, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic background, should be a top priority.

The data presented in this article should serve as a call to action. We cannot afford to ignore these disparities any longer. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.

# data[].attributes.body
Unfortunately this article was not a surprising read. I have seen this article in real life not only in my home district but at the district I am placed in now. I have seen my friends get punished for something I did and didn't get punished for. I have witnessed teachers, scape goat a black or latino student, not giving them the benefit of the doubt but if it was a white student they would have listened the students side of the story. This is nothing new and it is really troubling. Black and Latino children are targeted right at the very start of their educational career. There is a huge bias towards Black and Latino students, there is proof. The article states that some schools don't have counslers but have armed secruity guards. How does this make sense?

# data[].attributes.body
The article is about the racial inequalities in the U.S education system. This was done by the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) for the 2021-2022 school year. Their findings revealed that Black and Latino students have significantly less access to STEM courses compared to their peers who are in predominantly white or Asian schools. This means that they are more limited in their learning compared to their peers. They also found that Black students face higher rates of suspensions, expulsions, and restraints. In addition to this, schools serving students of color have more limited access to school counselors and mental health professionals since security personnel are more prioritized. All of these findings show just how much need there is for system reform. These findings are very heartbreaking and very eye opening too. It is concerning to see that Black and Latino students are still at a very large disadvantage compared to their peers. It is unfair that they are being denied access to advanced courses since these could provide new opportunities for the students. Schools need to do a better job at making sure that all their students have access to the advanced courses that will set them up for success. Along with this, the higher suspension rates show a clear bias that is playing a role in how students are being disciplined. These types of discipline can stain a students’ record, so it is very unfair that they are being given to students simply because of the color of their skin or their background. Overall, there is a lot more that needs to be done to ensure that every student gets a fair chance.

# data[].attributes.body
The article highlights serious problems in education. Black and Latino students have less access to advanced classes, certified teachers, and support like counselors. They also face harsher discipline starting in preschool. This is unfair and shows the system still has racism. Data like this is important because it proves these issues exist, and we can’t fix them without knowing the facts. I think schools should work harder to make things equal and make sure every student gets the same chance to succeed, no matter their race or background. As a teacher, this makes me want to make a difference. I would work to make my classroom a place where all students feel supported and can succeed, no matter their background. Every student deserves a fair chance to learn and succeed, and it would be my job to help make that happen.

# data[].attributes.body
In the article, "What the Latest Civil Rights Data Show About Racial Disparities in Schools" Ileana Najarro discusses the inequality of educational opportunities given to Black and Latino compared to students of other races or ethnicities in schools. Black and Latino students are not being offered the access to advanced courses or technology that they deserve. Not only that, schools with a higher Black and Latino percentage lack the ability to acquire school counselors and certified teachers. Additionally, these schools prioritize having a security guard over a school counselor, nurse, or psychologist. The article also presents data taken from US public, private, and charter schools by the Civil Rights Data Collection, revealing that Black and Latino students are "...more likely to be suspended or expelled from school"(Najarro 1). With this information, it is clear that minority students have a huge disadvantage. Without school counselors, nurses, psychologists, or fully certified teachers, students aren't receiving the correct resources for their social-emotional wellbeing along with their physical wellbeing. In addition to not receiving advanced science, technology, engineering, and math courses will lead the students to nonperformance and behavioral problems. Personally, I have seen two drastically different schools. A high funded school, and a low income school. The difference is clear. The students in the low income school lacked the resources and staff for their students. When I substituted in a school like this, my class only had two specials, gym and art (and if the teacher was out they would not have special that day). While the school I'm teaching at has seven specials. Something as small as this can affect the students. Students in low income schools had more behavioral issues and lacked the interest to learn. It is upsetting that minority students are more likely to attend low income school and do not have the ability to access important resources and courses they need to succeed. I wish all students were able to have equal opportunities no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or economic status.

# data[].attributes.body
As a student teacher in an urban district, reading this article really hit home for me. It is so troubling to see that Black and Latino students, who make up most of the school population, have less access to advanced STEM courses and certified teachers. The disparities in discipline, especially the higher suspension and expulsion rates for Black and Latino students, are hard to ignore, and it makes me feel even more driven to create a fair and supportive environment in my classroom. The lack of counselors and the overreliance on law enforcement in schools is also concerning, and it reminds me of how important it is to address students' emotional and mental health needs. This article reinforces my responsibility to advocate for students and work toward a more equitable educational experience for everyone. It’s clear that the education system still has a long way to go, but it pushes me to be part of the solution. I want to make sure all students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve. I feel even more committed to helping create an environment where every child, regardless of their background, can succeed and thrive. This data also highlights how much work is needed to address the disparities in course access, teacher quality, and discipline policies. The more I learn about these issues, the more I feel the urgency to be an educator who actively works to disrupt these patterns. I want to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, and that requires fighting for systemic change at every level.

# data[].attributes.body
This article touches upon the ongoing racial disparities in education, particularly for Black and Latino students. A lot of these students, who are even as young as preschoolers, experience greater rates of suspension, expulsion, and restraint. They have fewer access to STEM classes, certified teachers, and school counselors. For example, only 35% of schools with a predominantly Black and Latino population were offered calculus, while 54% of schools with fewer Black and Latino students were offered calculus. Additionally, about 19% of these high schools did not have a school counselor, which deteriorates the mental health support that is crucial for students at this age. These findings demonstrate the important need for systematic changes to address inequities in the educational setting, as well as inclusive practices in order to guarantee that every student has an equal chance at success.

# data[].attributes.body
This article discussing the latest civil rights data from schools is another unfortunate confirmation on the historical trend of disproportionate treatment when it comes to students of color within US schools. Public, private, charter, or special education specific, the data in this article details the various disparities in terms of student opportunity and course offerings between those of within schools on the basis of students race and privilege.

As someone who has worked or observed in schools from multiple sides of the spectrum, I feel that I can understand and confirm that this isn’t something unheard of, especially through overhead discussions between members of staff. Schools simply not having enough staff or courses to properly engage their students is devastatingly commonplace. Even in the schools often considered “well off” with advanced math and algebra, you may still expect to hear that “the nurse is out today” over the loudspeaker, or that “the mandarin teacher is out” or that the most recently hired school psychologist is "on leave". As the article states, schools not offering these services, while disproportionate on race, is still a major issue in around 50% of schools regardless.

And while mental health is a major issue, I feel that the lack of a counselor, while bad, is not always the primary issue in these disparities. I feel that the true deep-seated issue here that has been perpetuating these statistics on racial disparity and a lack of equity in course selection stems from two primary things, each of which must be fixed in schools to help turn around this historical trend. These issues being that of funding, and proper community building / classroom management / discipline.

Funding is critical, but can almost always go wrong if not reinforced with proper implementation of community building, erasure of bias, consistent classroom management, and reasonable but consistent disciplinary techniques. Take for example the article "An Effective but Exhausting Alternative to High-School Suspensions - The New York Times" that touches on how a Leadership high school in New York enacted a plan to alter how they handle discipline, and care more about students in their actions and potential futures rather than just send students to the office from a lack of classroom management skills or potential bias. Communities can be built within schools to halt this trend, but I feel that without properly allocated funding to pay for these trainings or newly hired staff, this situation may not get any better by the next time data is collected. Even so, I would hope more schools may try out a model similar to this in the future to help end these disparities.

# data[].attributes.body
This article derived from Education Week discusses racial disparities in public P-12 education. It further discusses the lack of equity inside American schools. The article indicates that black and latino students are less likely to enroll in STEM related courses and are disproportionately represented compared to white and asian students. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that a significant percentage of schools do not offer higher level STEM courses, placing students at a disadvantage in their future educational prospects. I think that as teachers it is our goal to hold all of our students to the same high expectations. If students are profiled or feel targeted in schools, they will not feel comfortable in their environment. We should treat ALL students with care and empathy, In addition, I think that many schools should focus on building a community outside of academics to promote inclusion and equity. Additionally, the article discusses the major caseloads of school counselors, in which they can typically have a caseload of 200+ students. This can make it more challenging for students in need to receive essential counseling resources. This was alarming to me because counseling services for student's who may be facing challenges outside of school may be hard to get in districts where there is only one counselor. There are also significant disparities in some districts in which they have employed a police officer in the school before a nurse, school psychologist, and school counselors. I think that employing police officers over these essential school personnel is telling, because it lacks restorative justice approaches schools should be focusing on. I oftentimes see problems of race and inequality being issues within the system, and as teachers, we should be advocates for students who are targeted during these times of injustice.

# data[].attributes.body
The Civil Rights Data Collection for the 2021-22 school year highlights persistent racial disparities in the U.S. education system, particularly affecting Black and Latino students. Key findings include limited access to advanced STEM courses, such as calculus and computer science, in schools with predominantly Black and Latino populations. These students are also more likely to attend schools with fewer certified teachers and face higher rates of suspensions, expulsions, and punitive discipline, starting as early as preschool.

Additionally, disparities in access to school counselors, psychologists, and social workers are evident, with some schools prioritizing law enforcement personnel over mental health support. These inequities contribute to broader systemic challenges, such as reduced career opportunities and the school-to-prison pipeline. Policymakers and educators are urged to address these gaps through targeted reforms, investments in resources, and equitable policies to ensure all students receive high-quality education and support.

# data[].attributes.body
The article presents the topic of racial inequalities, specifically for Black and Latino students. While it is unfair and saddening, I cannot say the article totally shocked me. Classes such as chemistry, Algebra, and Computer Science are not always offered in districts that have larger student bodies that consist of Black or Latino students. It is unfair to those communities of students because why would they not have the same opportunities as other races? These students not having access to maths and sciences can put them at a major disadvantage because math and science play a role in STEM, and that can lead to career options. The limited resources being offered to these students are not enough, and they are at a disadvantage. The article then dives into the mental health crisis within schools and how many schools do not even have a counselor. In my placement, we have 2 counselors, but my school is P-6, so having 2 individuals for 8 age groups seems like a problem for me. The article states "The American School Counselor Association recommends that schools employ one counselor for every 250 students." More students need help than we think. The counselors mainly pull students out who are causing a disruption in the classroom by either throwing items or yelling, but what about those students who seem off and have a family problem going on at home? They don't seem to get the attention they deserve and my brain doesn't fully understand it. Students deserve equal opportunities regardless of their race and gender, and I am unsure why this issue is still so relevant. Why has there not been a positive change yet in certain areas that are clearly lacking?

# data[].attributes.body
The article for this week's hot topic expresses the lack of equity and equality that lingers within our education system. This is a predominant issue for Black and Latino students when it comes to access to certain curriculums and the quality of the education they are receiving. The article states, "predominantly Black and
Latino schools (those where more than 75 percent of students are Black or Latino) have less access to mathematics, science, and computer science courses than students at schools with smaller populations of these students (less than 25 percent)." STEM prepares students for a rapidly evolving world where technology and scientific advancements play a significant role. It helps them understand the impact of these advancements on society and encourages them to think critically about ethical and social implications. It is also crucial for preparing students to succeed in the modern workforce and contribute to society’s future advancements. I have noticed that in my placement, which is predominately a Hispanic and Latino demographic, there is an emphasis on ELA and mathematics. Science and Art are not emphasized or a focus within the curriculum. The article also mentions the lack of counseling personnel within schools at a time when mental health challenges and social-emotional needs are at an all-time high. Sometimes, schools would have only one counselor per 100-plus students. Other times, they do not have a school counselor but employ a school security officer. These are both necessary and important, but one is for student support and guidance and support, while the other is for student safety. I cannot believe that there are schools that may not even have counseling resources for students who are struggling, especially when there is all that we now know about mental health impacting our society. It is difficult enough for students of specific demographics who end up with the short end of the stick when it comes to their education but it makes it even more detrimental when there are no resources to help them through their internal and external struggles.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s clear from the article that racial inequality, especially for Black and Latino students, is still a major issue. These students have limited access to advanced courses like calculus or computer science, with many schools not even offering them. This means that even if a student has the interest and potential to grow, they might never even know these opportunities exist. The article also mentions that many teachers in schools with higher minority populations don’t meet state certification standards which limits the quality of education. Another shocking point is the lack of mental health support which in the article mentions that nearly 20% of high schools don’t have a counselor. Without the necessary support, academic or emotional, it’s much harder for students to succeed