CAPAC Praises Department of Education Disaggregation Program for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Washington, DC – Today, Department of Education Secretary John King announced a $1 million grant competition for states to gather and study disaggregated data on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students beyond the breakdowns of race and ethnicity currently collected. The purpose is to identify gaps in educational achievement and opportunities, as well as to improve the college and career readiness of underserved AAPI communities and English language learners. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“I am thrilled that the Department of Education is taking another step forward to combat the model minority myth by encouraging states to disaggregate data on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and to reveal the true educational needs of our diverse AAPI student populations. It’s impossible to ensure all students are getting the services and opportunities they deserve if we cannot even identify who is struggling.
"I applaud Secretary King for prioritizing our community’s needs and taking action within the first two months of taking the helm at the Department. This new grant will help to ensure that we can identify the critical student differences between the various AAPI communities and ensure that we can better address the needs of all of our country’s students. I look forward to seeing the results of this program and working with the Department through its implementation.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“I’m pleased that the Department of Education is moving forward to support the distinct experiences and needs of our diverse AAPI communities. That is exactly why I have reintroduced the All Students Count Act. My bill would collect and report critical student information about the same racial groups as the U.S. Census. Knowing who our students are, and learning more about their communities, is critical to making sure that each and every student has an equitable education.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Committee:
“Secretary King is absolutely correct – the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population is not monolithic. For too long, lack of attention to the unique needs of AAPI communities has impeded the academic achievement of AAPI students. Today’s announcement of dedicated federal resources to encourage better use of disaggregated data, coupled with the new requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act to provide ongoing technical assistance on AAPI data disaggregation will empower states and districts to better prepare all AAPI students for success in college and career. As Ranking Member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and a member of CAPAC, I look forward to continued collaboration with the Secretary on this important issue.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.