Equity in Education at the Sunshine Method
At The Sunshine Method, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to a fair and equal education. That’s why, with American Education Week around the corner (November 15th-19th), we thought what better time to share why we here at The Sunshine Method are dedicated to improving the education our children receive all across the country.
At the Sunshine Method, our driving force is the belief that a quality education should be a reality, not just a right for every human being. We believe in building strong communities that can serve the children who need the most support, and providing children with the tools and resources they need to reach their fullest potential. We've seen firsthand that education is the key to changing the lives of children, who will in turn be able to change their communities and the world as a whole.
The Facts:
Many people may realize that there is an educational gap in the US, but the size and disparity of that gap is in reality much larger than expected. 14.5% of adults in the US cannot read, that's more than 1 in 7. As of 2019, 31% of 12th graders graduate proficient in reading and strikingly, only 21% of 12th graders graduate proficient in math. These numbers reveal deep systemic issues in our education system, and are in part, the reason why The Sunshine Method exists.
What We Know:
We know that every person is capable of learning, and we also know that for many of the children we support, there are a multitude of factors that influence why they are falling behind. Factors we take the time to understand and adapt to from the very first day we begin working together, with consistency and stability being right at the forefront. We know that when a child falls behind, it not only affects their GPA, but also their self-esteem - how they perceive themselves, and how we as a society perceive their worth. And we know that when a child, especially one that has fallen behind academically, is given quality time with a mentor, a teacher, parent, or friend, someone who believes in and sees their potential, anything is possible. The boost to their self-esteem and confidence is the first step to empower a child to try the next math problem, open the book they may have set aside, and ultimately begin imagining a different future than the one society may have set aside for them. The Sunshine Method has reached over 21,000 children since its inception, but that only begins to scratch the surface of children who haven’t been given the same opportunities to learn and gain a quality education.
Throughout American Education Week, we celebrate each day by spreading appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in bridging the gap and supporting our children's academic endeavors.
- Monday, November 15th is the Kickoff Day; think of some fun activities you can do with your children to emphasize the importance of getting an education.
- Tuesday, November 16th is Family Day; think about showing the parents what an average day of tutoring looks like, or invite them to sit in on a lesson.
- Wednesday, November 17th is Education Support Professionals Day; make sure to show your appreciation for the ESP's you've interacted with.
- Thursday, November 18th is Educator for a Day; change roles with your child and let them be the teacher for a lesson!
- Friday, November 19th is Substitute Educator Day; give appreciation to the people who serve as a bridge for educating children on days when the regular teacher is unable to.
During American Education Week, think about how you can make a difference in other people’s lives and ensure that a quality education can be a reality for everyone, because a more educated community is a stronger community.
