Booker, Castro Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Expand Advanced Coursework Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) reintroduced the Advanced Coursework Equity Act, bicameral legislation that would create a federal grant program to help states and school districts increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in advanced coursework and academic programs. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would allow eligible schools and school districts to receive up to $60 million to implement universal screening for advanced students, expand enrollment in advanced courses, cover course fees for low-income students, train or hire teachers for advanced courses, prepare students for postsecondary STEM pathways, and create or expand related efforts.

Black, Latino, and Native American students, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in advanced programs and courses. While 1 in 10 students in American schools participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) program, just over 1 in 20 low-income, Black, and Native American students participate in these courses. A low-income student with reading and math achievement levels equal to those of a high-income student is half as likely to receive gifted services.

"In classrooms across this country, there are brilliant young people whose gifts go unseen-not because they lack promise, but because opportunity never found them. Every child deserves more than a chance to learn; they deserve a real pathway to reach their fullest potential, no matter their ZIP code," said Senator Booker."The Advanced Coursework Equity Act gives every student a fair shot by ensuring they are identified for their potential, removing the cost barriers that keep too many from advanced coursework and AP exams, and expanding access to rigorous classes in every school-not just those in wealthier communities."

"Students at schools with fewer resources have immense talent, and should have the same opportunity to take advanced courses as their peers in wealthier school districts," said Congressman Castro. "The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would support schools by covering exam fees and costs to hire and train teachers, helping students reach their full potential. Too often, students in low-income districts do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to colleges and universities, and that needs to change."

"Equal opportunity is about access, but right now, too many Black and Latino students are being denied access to rigorous coursework that is engaging and meets high standards. This means being denied a path to an enriching high school experience, success in higher education, and a rewarding career. The obstacles Black and Latino students face, including resource inequities and educator bias, can prevent their enrollment in advanced math and algebra in middle school and AP or IB courses in high schools. These structural barriers must be torn down and opportunity built up. That is why EdTrust is proud to endorse?the Advanced Coursework Equity Act. Led by Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Joaquin Castro, this important legislation would eliminate barriers and increase the enrollment of traditionally underserved students in advanced courses. We urge Congress to advance this bill immediately and make real the promise of education equity for our nation's underserved students,"said Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust.

"To truly unlock the potential of every student, we must remove the barriers that keep talented, underrepresented youth out of advanced classrooms. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is a vital step forward, providing states and districts with the targeted resources needed to expand access, foster student success, and ensure that a student's background never dictates their academic trajectory. Teach Plus is proud to endorse this legislation, which builds a stronger runway for the next generation of leaders," said Kira Orange Jones, CEO of Teach Plus.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is endorsed by The Education Trust, All4Ed, College Board, Advance CTE, National Association for Gifted Children, Latinos for Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, TeachPlus, National Rural Education Association, UnidosUS, Intercultural Development Research Association, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, National Urban League, National Educators Association and E3 Alliance.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is cosponsored by U.S.Senators Ben Lujan (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-CT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Read the full text of the bill here.