2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the landmark report A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform.  Deemed "the most important education reform document of the 20th century" by education historian Diane Ravitch, the report received overwhelming media attention, alerting the entire nation to the failings of our education system and the risk it posed to our national security and economic well-being.

25 Years Later...

On the 25th anniversary of this sobering report, the American education system remains in a state of crisis. We are “A Nation STILL at Risk”.

In 2008 the U.S. Department of Education released a report entitled, A Nation Accountable: Twenty-five Years After A Nation at Risk, stating:

"If we were “at risk” in 1983, we are at even greater risk now. The rising demands of our global economy, together with demographic shifts, require that we educate more students to higher levels than ever before. Yet, our education system is not keeping pace with these growing demands.”

A persistent achievement gap in Utah exists between white and minority students and between low-income and non-low-income students.  As the diversity of Utah's student population increases dramatically, so will the number of students who are falling behind their peers.

The achievement gap has grave implications not only for the students who are falling behind, but also for society as a whole.  High school dropouts earn less income, pay fewer taxes, are more likely to receive government support, and more likely to end up in jail.  Moreover, tomorrow's economy will depend even more on an educated and skilled workforce.  If Utah does not properly educate its students, jobs and economic opportunities will easily flow to countries that will.

Did you know...

• Utah's graduation achievement gap is 50% larger than the national average.  Learn more

• Hispanic students perform 3 grade levels below their white peers on some national tests.  Learn more

Test Scores Achievement Gap

Test scores indicate that a consistent achievement gap exists in Utah between minorities and whites, and between low income students and non-low income students.

 Utah's Minority Achievement Gap, 8th Grade Math
Utah Foundation & National Assessment of Educational Progress

The minority achievement gap in 8th grade math has increased 37% since 1992.  The current 30 point difference represents an achievement gap of about 3 grade levels.

Graduation Achievement Gap

Graduation rates indicate that a consistent achievement gap exists in Utah between minorities and whites, males and females, and low income students and non-low income students.