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Pennsylvania

Statistics on children, youth and families in Pennsylvania from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

Change Indicator

Enrollment - Percent of students (Pre-K to Grade 12) by race and ethnicity in Pennsylvania

Enrollment - Percent of students (Pre-K to Grade 12) by race and ethnicity

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Why This Indicator Matters

Analyzing school enrollment data by race and ethnicity is crucial for understanding the changing demographics and better addressing the needs of a diverse student population. As trends indicate, Pennsylvania’s is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, with growing proportions of students who identify as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and multiracial.[1] This demographic shift has significant implications for educational equity, resource allocation, and culturally responsive teaching practices. By examining enrollment trends, policymakers can identify disparities in educational access and outcomes, such as achievement gaps or differences in graduation rates among different racial and ethnic groups. [2]  Understanding these trends is essential for informing efforts to recruit and retain a diverse teaching workforce, which research shows can positively impact students' academic experiences and outcomes.[3]


[1] Dulaney, K. & Frankenberg, E. (2021). Inching Toward Integration? A Report of Student and Teacher Exposure to Racial Diversity in Pennsylvania’s Public Schools, 2013-2020. Center for Education and Civil Rights. https://cecr.ed.psu.edu/sites/default/files/CECR_diversity_brief.pdf

[2] Slaughter, A., Moran, D., Lapp, D., & Lin, J. (2016). Racial Disparities in Educational Opportunities in Pennsylvania: A First Look at New Civil Rights Data. Research for Action. https://www.researchforaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/RFA-Civil-Rights-Data-PACER-Brief-Nov-1-2016.pdf

[3] Carver-Thomas, D. (2018). Diversifying the Teaching Profession: How to Recruit and Retain Teachers of Color. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/diversifying-teaching-profession-report

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Definition and Source

PROVIDER

Definition

The percent of students by racial/ethnic breakdowns.  This includes students enrolled in public school districts, charter schools, state juvenile correction institutions, and comprehensive career and technical centers.

Up to 2016-17, race and ethnicity are combined in this table.  Other race includes American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and Multi-Racial.

Beginning with 2017-18 data, race categories are disaggregated. Race and ethnicity groups are:
American Indian / Alaska Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
Asian - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and Vietnam.
Black (Non-Hispanic) - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa (except those of Hispanic origin).
Hispanic - A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
Multi-Racial - A person from more than one racial or ethnic group.
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (not Hispanic) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
White (Non-Hispanic) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East (except those of Hispanic origin).

Data Source

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Data Quality Office

Notes

LNE = Low Number Event.  Statistics (rates, ratios, percents) are not calculated and displayed for counts less than 10 (or less than 3 for Bayesian/Nearest Neighbor rates).

Percentages may not add to 100 for a school district due to LNE.

Last Updated

January 2024