CALL FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY THAT LEAVES NO CHILD BEHIND AND ENSURES SUPPORT SO THAT STUDENTS CAN GET AHEAD

Harvard University President Larry Summers Delivers Keynote Address at Annual College Board Forum

November 1, 2004, Chicago, IL -Harvard University President Larry Summers called upon our nation to restore "education to its proper role as a pathway to equal opportunity and excellence in our society" during his remarks in Chicago today at the annual College Board Forum. While tomorrow's election may highlight differences within the electorate, everyone "should be able to agree on the importance of assuring that all children can [go] as far as their ability and ambition will take them," Summers said.

Emphasizing his view that inequality in our nation is increasing, Summers said, "The American dream is becoming more remote, as the gap between the life prospects of the children of the fortunate and the less fortunate widens." Summers called for institutions with means, such as Harvard, to create programs for students from families with low and moderate incomes, but he also noted the importance of state and federal policies designed to broaden the accessibility and affordability of higher education.

The Harvard president also spoke about the vital need to improve America's public schools. "Nationwide, we are not meeting even minimal standards of educational opportunity and achievement in many of our public schools . The imperative of equality must never mean the toleration of mediocrity." Summers also noted that the higher education community has a role to play in fixing the public schools whether by conducting additional research on how children learn or by steering the most talented students to teaching careers or by helping students make a successful transition from high school to college.

The college admissions process is in need of change as well. President Summers outlined three systemic issues for the higher education community. He recommended that:

test prep courses and writing consultants who assist with college essays and with private college admissions avoid "distorting" the process by making sure these services are available on a more equitable basis. By ensuring college entrance exams are less coachable, we will make the process fairer. Summers praised the College Board for recent changes to the SAT ® , which will better reflect what students learn in school and will highlight skills, such as writing. He also commended the College Board for its new SpringBoard T program that offers students, beginning in grade 6, the rigor and support they need to develop the skills they will need for college success; 

school counselors be seen as an essential part of a high school education. He decried "the disappearing high school guidance counselor," which he termed "a national disgrace." Summers said that students deserve the necessary information, counseling, and support crucial to making good decisions about higher education; and college and university campuses be "equally welcoming to all students, regardless of background."

After his well received speech, Summers visited the Walter Payton College Preparatory School in Chicago. Walter Payton, a public school with one-third of its students from low-income backgrounds, was cited by Summers for its commitment to excellence, rigor, and equality.

The College Board has been aggressively working to close the achievement gap through such programs as SpringBoard. This progam was created to expose younger students to demanding course work and early intervention so that they will be more likely to succeed in college. College Board President Gaston Caperton expressed his appreciation for President Summers's commitment to a closer correlation between secondary schools and higher education.

To access the speech in its entirety, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/forum/forum04/high/summers.html

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,500 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT ® , the PSAT/NMSQT ® , and the Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ® ). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

The College Board's Forum is an annual gathering of education professionals, such as principals and superintendents, college and university presidents, faculty and financial aid officers, researchers, and counseling and admissions professionals.