Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Educational Divide in the Wake of New Data

By Riyah Patel, Founder and President of New American Scholars 

The New Hampshire Union Leader recently published an article that highlighted a somewhat distressing trend in our state’s education system. While we have seen an uptick in average test scores for certain grade levels, these gains are dwarfed by the stagnation and even decline in other areas, especially for 11th-graders.  

It’s clear that despite being among the top states in student performance, New Hampshire faces some complex challenges. So, what does this mean for the refugee families who have already been marginalized? Where does this place organizations like New American Scholars in the larger scheme of the state's education landscape? 

The Statistics Don't Lie, But They Don’t Tell The Whole Story Either 

While the data shows an improvement in scores for seventh and eighth graders in English Language Arts, there’s a continued downward slide for 11th graders in both English and math. Educational Commissioner Frank Edelblut is not satisfied with the overall results, and neither are we. If students at the brink of adulthood are facing academic challenges, what does this say about their future opportunities? 

Moreover, the article mentions that student and district results vary widely. For example, in Manchester, only 15% of 11th graders scored at or above proficiency in math. This discrepancy points towards a system that is failing to provide equitable opportunities for success to all its students.  

The Vital Role of New American Scholars 

This is precisely where New American Scholars aims to make a difference. Our focus has been on providing comprehensive out-of-school support, especially for refugee students who, due to various socio-economic factors, are often at a disadvantage. The recent test score trends underscore the significance of a targeted, multi-pronged approach to academic aid and social support. 

Our programs in reading, writing, Language Arts, math, and science, coupled with social support and peer mentorship, aim to create a balanced and enriching environment for refugee students. We believe that education goes beyond mere academics. It’s about equipping these young minds with the skills, confidence, and community support they need to thrive not just in school but in life. 

More than Scores, It’s About Equity and Opportunity 

Our ultimate goal is ambitious: to expand our services to every refugee family in New Hampshire. Why? Because every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves a fair shot at success. The recent statistics are not just numbers on a paper; they represent lives that are at a critical juncture.  

By collaborating closely with schools and educators, we are strategically positioning ourselves to bring a holistic approach to the educational divide, and thereby aim to lift not just test scores but the quality of lives of these students.  

The Path Ahead 

We see these statistics not as a discouragement but as a clarion call to redouble our efforts. The urgency and potential impact of our mission serve as relentless fuel for our journey ahead. Together, we can turn the tides and make New Hampshire a model state where every student, regardless of their background, can excel academically and personally. 

In conclusion, while there's much work ahead, we are optimistic about the transformative power of education. New American Scholars is not just an organization; it's a vision for a more equitable educational system. We invite you to join us in this important mission to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all of New Hampshire’s students.