The document discusses the lack of diversity among teachers and its impact on students. It notes that teachers are predominantly white while students are increasingly diverse. This diversity gap may contribute to disparities in graduation rates and achievement between white and non-white students. The document advocates increasing the diversity of the teaching workforce so that students have teachers from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds who can serve as role models and connect with students through shared cultural experiences and perspectives.

4. California State Department of Education Drop-out Rates Sacramento Bee, “Drop out Numbers, Who Should Take the Rap?” (July 31, 2008)

5. Students: (Out of the 68% who Graduate High School) 75% 49% 51%

6. Ethnic Diversity of Teachers pales in comparison to the Ethnic Diversity of Students: Teachers Students

15. How to reform…different approaches