U-46 to host education summit focused on helping black students

Elgin Area School District U-46 and its African American Advisory Council are hosting its first African-American Family Education Summit from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 4, at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St., Elgin.

The purpose of the summit is to galvanize the black community to develop a plan of action in response to the academic challenges facing their children.

The achievement gap black students face is a real problem nationally but, more importantly, here in U-46.

The reading gap among black students in U-46 schools ranges from 4 to 50 percent, while in math the gap widens from 5 to 67 percent.

It's going to take the active participation of students, parents and the community to change the reality of academic achievement for the school district's black students. The African-American Advisory Council, working with families and community members, hopes to address these academic challenges so students can turn their dreams into realities.

Buses are available at the following pickup points at 8 a.m. Dec. 4: Buena Vista Club House, 1285 Fleetwood Drive; Buena Vista Tower, 222 Locust St., main entrance; on Mark Avenue, near Elgin Community Church, 991 Deborah Ave.; and Crestwood of Elgin, 45 Poplar Creek Drive.

To register for this summit or for more information, visit u-46.org