Focusing on the Future Requires Learning from the Past
We all share a lengthy list of grievances against the past year, especially its impact on our children. Articulating these challenges can be overwhelming, but now is not the time to give up on hope, but rather to be energized by the bright spots of success that exist throughout our region.
Before 2020, education outcomes in Metro Atlanta had been improving in the key indicators in the cradle to career pipeline. Substantial inequities for students of color still existed at unacceptable levels; however, as a region we were making progress in several key indicators, including third grade reading and eighth grade math proficiency. That progress was real and did not happen by chance. Educators and parents, working alongside nonprofits, philanthropy, and business were coming together to support public education.