Why It Matters
Seventy years after Brown v. Board of Education, deep-rooted inequities still shape the educational experiences of Black children, especially across the South. Miles to Go exposes these persistent challenges and offers data-driven insights and strategies to help educators, policymakers, and communities build a more just and inclusive education system for all.
Segregation Rising
81% of Black students now attend schools where the majority are students of color—more than in the late 1960s.
Funding Inequity
Districts with more students of color receive ~13% less per student-translating to ~$9M annually in a 5,000-student district.
Teacher Diversity Gap
Only ~6.1% of U.S. teachers are Black, and representation drops in high‑POC schools.
Discipline Disparities
Black students face suspension and expulsion rates more than three times those of White or Hispanic peers—but behavior is not worse.
Postsecondary Barriers
Black students represent only 12.5% of college enrollment. Also, four years after graduation, they owe ~188% more in student loans than White peers.
Inclusive Curriculum Gaps
Schools with more students of color often have fewer advanced courses and culturally relevant materials.
Roadmap for Change
Strengthen Teacher Diversity Pipelines
Invest in recruitment, preparation, and retention strategies for teachers of color, including grow-your-own programs and mentorship models.
Ensure Equitable School Funding
Revise state funding formulas to close per-student spending gaps that disproportionately impact schools serving students of color.
Reduce Discipline Disparities
Implement restorative practices and staff training to address disproportionate suspension and expulsion rates.
Expand Access to Advanced Courses
Guarantee all students, regardless of race or ZIP code, have access to AP/IB courses, gifted programs, and culturally relevant curricula.
Related Initiatives & Insights
Brown’s Promise Initiative
SEF’s multi-year effort to realize Brown v. Board by tackling modern segregation, resource gaps, and expanding access to diverse, well-resourced schools.