Unqualified Support of Public Education

WHEREAS, the NAACP historically has been in strong support of public education; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP has denounced movements toward privatization, that is diverting public funds to support non-public school "choices"; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP has been in the forefront of the struggle for equality and equity in public education for more that ninety (90) years; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP acknowledges the undisputed connection between a quality education and freedom; and

WHEREAS, in spite of the NAACP's support, the failure rates of African American and other students of color in America's public schools remains inexcusably high in spite of a rich literature of known strategies which, if adapted, will assure the successful education of all American students; and

WHEREAS, in spite of the NAACP's support, African Americans comprise a majority of America's prison, jail and community corrections population – most of whom lack a high school diploma; and

WHEREAS, public education has not responded promptly or adequately enough to counter the pervasive and devastating rates of educational failure experienced by African Americans and other students of color across America; and

WHEREAS, it appears that the NAACP's unqualified support is being taken for granted by educational leaders across America; and

WHEREAS, unqualified support of public education may serve as a strong incentive to improve public education for students of color.

BE IT RESOLVED that the NAACP provide unqualified support of public education on an annual basis; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP incorporate in its bi-annual Daisy Bates Summit on Education progress reports regarding students of color; require educational leaders to account for the progress or failure of their organizations in accomplishing positive achievements for students of color; require the presentation of empirical data on key variables linked to educational success (e.g., attendance, grade point averages, scores on standardized tests); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP develop a detailed agreement with the NEA on behalf of its affiliates, the AFT and its affiliates, the National Administrators Association [NAA] and the National School Board Association [NSBA] to improve and place this country's best teachers in the schools where African American children are enrolled; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a conference report be prepared for review by the NAACP President/CEO; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the President/CEO forward the report and recommendations to the National Board of Directors for action.