WE’RE IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN WASHINGTON STATE

Three areas of focus.

By working on three specific areas BESR is strengthening its ability to more effectively realize its vision and mission of advocating for systemic change in public education that closes the achievement and opportunity gaps for Black students at all levels.

1) COLLABORATING WITH EDUCATORS

With the advent of standardized testing and the practice of disaggregating data, the systemic failures of public education systems have become apparent. This data has also resulted in new research into the practices employed by teachers and administrators who have had success serving their African American and other students of color. BESR uses this research in powerful new ways, advising Washington State teachers and administrators so they can improve their practice in order to serve all of their students. Through conference presentations and consultations with educators, we make the academic literature accessible, and share it widely, so that it has greatest impact in the classroom.

2) ADVOCATING WITH EDUCATION POLICYMAKERS

Many individuals and entities exercise influence on the conditions that can lead to success for African American students in Washington State. Beyond their parents and families, African American students are directly affected by the actions (or inaction) of the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), local school boards, superintendents and community leaders. BESR has filled a void by serving as a strong voice for African American students, which might not otherwise be heard when important policy decisions are made.

3) TAKING STRONG POLICY POSITIONS AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO JOIN US

We have taken stands on the issues affecting African American students and other students of color in Washington State. For example, we believe that the implementation of the Common Core will prepare our students for 21st Century careers. We believe that appropriate formative and summative assessments hold educational systems accountable for improving outcomes for African American students, and we don’t believe that the Opt-Out movement serves the interests of our children.

What is the Black Education Strategy Roundtable?

BESR is a coalition of community members, educators and partner organizations advocating equitable outcomes for Black students in the state of Washington. We provide information to policy makers at all levels about the disparate conditions of educational achievement for Black students and hold them accountable to establish and implement policies to correct these disparities. BESR is currently engaged in Capacity Building and Strategic Planning with the support of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

Board appoints Derick Harris as Executive Director

Jul 20, 2024

The Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR) Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Derick Harris as Executive Director, effective Wednesday, July 10th. The Board’s action comes with the fullest confidence that Derick will continue to be an excellent steward of BESR’s mission and a leader and advocate in Washington State for Black/African-American students while improving outcomes for all students.