In the latest U.S. Department of Education blog post, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan highlights why investments in academic programs, teachers and technology among other educational necessities are important to each child’s interest.

“America is built on principles of equality and opportunity for all,” wrote Duncan in his post.

“In education, that means all our students deserve fair and equal access to strong academic programs, great teachers, new technology, and appropriate facilities, no matter where they live. Those values motivate committed educators and their partner organizations throughout this country.”

The Department of Education has made an increased push to provide schools nationwide with the tools they need to make learning a more positive and efficient experience for students. With increased focused on technology and STEM subjects, the U.S. DOE still looks to be making more of a push to give all students the education they are entitled to.

Duncan says that not every child in America gets a fair shot at success especially when it comes to equal access to educational resources.

“Many students in high poverty districts are short-changed,” Duncan says.

“Often, their peers in low poverty districts receive more per-pupil funding, and that translates to more resources, more opportunities, and better access to effective teaching.”

Not all states across the nation are lucky enough to have the full funding they need to create effective learning environments however, Duncan does propose the areas in which the nation’s students can prosper educationally.

“For our nation to be strong, we must offer a real opportunity to every child – it’s a” moral imperative and an economic necessity,” Duncan says.

“The nation faces clear choices here. Some proposals under discussion could exacerbate existing inequities by allowing funds to move out of high poverty schools into wealthier ones. Other, better proposals would take important steps to ensure all students have the resources and support they need, closing a longstanding loophole in order to ensure that funding intended for the neediest students actually reaches them.”

While giving readers the choices that the nation faces, Duncan also mentions that, “wide gaps continue to prevail in how we fund schools for rich and poor students.”

“Low-poverty districts spend, on average, 16 percent more per student than high-poverty districts. In some states – like Pennsylvania, Vermont and Indiana – the gaps are much wider,” Duncan says.

Duncan urges adults to exercise their civic duty to ensure equality among all students. As the education tug of war continues the DOE, parents, educators and administrators worldwide may need to come together for the well being of students in the U.S.

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Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor