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LULAC National President Margaret Moran Requests Texas State Senate to Reconsider SB 1724 and SB 3

THE BILLS WOULD LOWER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TEXAS STUDENTS TO MEET STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

April 3, 2013

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, 202-833-6130, PZuleta (at) LULAC . org

Today, LULAC sent a letter in opposition to SB 1724 and SB 3 to the Texas State Senate. LULAC is concerned over the proposed legislation as it creates fewer pathways to education for Latino students and English Language Learners. The legislation would also change the current graduation framework by replacing high expectations for high school completion with weaker requirements.

In recent years, Texas has made great progress in reversing low graduation rates. High school graduation rates have increased, and gaps between students of color and their white peers have narrowed. In particular, the Latino graduation rate in Texas has grown 13% since 2007 (when current graduation requirements were adopted), from 69% to 82%, thereby significantly closing the gap with their white peers.

“The proposed changes in SB 1724 and SB 3 would take Texas back to the bad old days of pervasive tracking, ignoring the clear evidence that all students, regardless of the path they choose after high school, need the same rigorous course content to succeed in an economy that demands high-level knowledge and skills,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran.

Lowering graduation requirements sends the wrong message to students, families and communities. The current 4x4 graduation standard improves the graduation rates and college and career readiness among all Texas students. We ask for your support in maintaining this vital pipeline to a brighter future for all Texans. If you would like to read the letter please click here.

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About LULAC: The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.