The South is narrowing, but not closing, the gap between black and white students' performances on tests, a new federal study released July 14 shows.
In the study by the U.S. Department of Education, nearly every Southern state saw gains in test scores by black fourth and eighth-grade students from the early '90s until 2007, based on national assessments.
The improvements are especially noticeable in fourth-grade math scores, where six Southern states had black students ahead of white students in the rate of improvement.
These findings were the first major U.S. Department of Education report since President Barack Obama took office.
The report uses the National Assessment of Education Progress exam given to students under the federal No Child Left Behind law.
The study still shows problems persist in every state, despite some gains in other subjects, but many educators say the results are encouraging in the South.
"We are trying to equip teachers with teaching strategies to get students more excited about learning and encouraging students to engage in their own learning," said Marilyn Strutchens, education professor. "I feel Alabama is starting to make advances, but needs to still think about equity issues."
Strutchens works with the TEAM-Math program, Transforming East Alabama Mathematics, which is a partnership of fourteen school districts, Auburn University, Tuskegee University and other business partners.
"We provide each district with professional development training using technology, physical models and different pedagogical styles to better enhance learning," Strutchens said.
Kendall Griffin, a recent secondary education mathematics graduate, said she did not see any differences between the students where she was teaching.
"In the school I interned at there really was not a notable difference," Griffin said. "I taught one of the highest math classes offered at the school and also one of the lowest remediation classes, and there was the same ratio of black and white students in each."
Still, many Southern states who exceeded the national average for black students remained behind the nation's test scores for both races.
Strutchens said Alabama is working to add its name to the list of improved states.
"We are making initiatives that will help our students," Strutchens said. "I think bringing equity into it is important."
Some feel that the task lies on the teachers of Alabama to handle this problem.
"In order to get good teachers, schools have to think of creative ways to attract good teachers," said Lisa Kasmer, professor in elementary education. "Ultimately this has to be overall of the entire system. We can't keep putting on Band-Aids on the problem."
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