![In January at Curlew Creek Elementary School, tutor Susan Cohen from the Read Across Pinellas program assists first grader Za’mir Maceachron with a reading lesson. The Pinellas County school district has launched similar initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap among its students. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]](https://blkpoliticsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eds.png)
Oct 4, 2024 Story by: Editor
Key Highlights: For several years, Florida schools have prioritized closing the achievement gap among students of different racial backgrounds. In Pinellas County, this issue has sparked decades of legal disputes, resulting in court-mandated initiatives aimed at addressing these systemic challenges.
Over the past eight years, the district has implemented a plan called Bridging the Gap, which specifically targets critical areas such as graduation rates and proficiency in core academic subjects, where Black students have historically encountered significant disadvantages.
Despite these efforts, the school system has not fully achieved its objectives. This shortfall has prompted community leaders, advocates, and educational stakeholders to intensify their calls for more comprehensive measures to ensure that all students receive equitable educational opportunities.
The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment that addresses disparities and supports the success of every student. Source: Tampa Bay
