Report: Troubling Achievement Gap In MN Schools

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With many Minnesota kids heading back to school next week, the state received some good -- and some troubling -- news.

While Minnesota led the nation in ACT test scores for the 8th straight year, there is a troubling achievement gap.

Only 16 percent of black students who took the test are considered "ready for college" compared to 61 percent of white students.

St. Paul Superintendent of Schools Valeria Silva appeared on the 6 a.m. edition of WCCO Sunday morning to discuss a solution.

"We have to, as teachers, learn how our students learn better," Silva said.

Silva says the district is also offering mentor programs and before-and after-school tutoring. She says those initiatives, along with other programs will continue to help students.