Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC (September 17, 2015) – The White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics named IDEA Public Schools a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education today. IDEA Public Schools is one of a select few organizations and initiatives selected for publication in the Bright Spots in Hispanic Education catalog of exemplary practices.
The Bright Spots in Hispanic Education initiative was established in 1990 as one critical tool to end the education and opportunity disparities that existed for Hispanic children in this country. Only programs with the proven ability to improve academic outcomes, increase student access and opportunities, and meet the unique needs of Hispanic students and their families are selected for this honor.
“We are humbled to receive this recognition,” said JoAnn Gama, President and Superintendent of IDEA Public Schools. “IDEA works tirelessly to educate our growing student population, the majority of whom are Hispanic. Our students and staff are proving what’s possible for all children each and every day, and we’re so proud to be part of their success. We’re thrilled to be just one of many Bright Spots serving the Hispanic community.”
The success of IDEA Public Schools is rooted in its commitment to the border communities of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, and the fundamental belief that college is a reality for all children. IDEA has now grown to serve nearly 24,000 students and families and added campuses in Austin and San Antonio. Most importantly, for nine years, 100% of IDEA students have been accepted to college. Many of those students are the first in their family to attend college.
IDEA wasn’t just celebrated for its college acceptance rate. IDEA ensures all students have the skills and experiences necessary to earn their degree. Their AP for All Program leads the nation in giving all students access to rigorous Advanced Placement course work beginning in the 6th grade. Every IDEA graduate will take 11 Advanced Placement courses before they leave high school. This year’s results were phenomenal and earned IDEA placement on a national television show that aired on September 11. IDEA’s AP For All program is one of many reasons IDEA students are graduating from college at a rate five times the national average.
“There has been notable progress in Hispanic educational achievement, and it is due to the efforts of these Bright Spots in Hispanic Education, programs and organizations working throughout the country to help Hispanic students reach their full potential,” said Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics.
The White House hopes this catalog will encourage collaboration between stakeholders focused on similar issues in sharing data-driven approaches, promising practices, peer advice, and effective partnerships, ultimately resulting in increased support for the educational attainment of the Hispanic community, from cradle-to-career.
