To my Ward 2 neighbors,

I'm a literacy expert on a mission to solve DC’s worsening illiteracy crisis.

My immigrant parents invested every penny they earned into my education. My life's work is to connect every student with similar opportunities.

Though my father couldn't teach me how to read, he worked hard as a waiter in DC in order to connect me to the people who could: the teachers and mentors afforded to me by a strong public-school education.

I'm running for office now because my skillsets are particularly relevant to guide us through the pandemic and its rippling consequences. I have developed education programs in post-earthquake Haiti, Syrian refugee camps, and demobilization zones in Colombia. I know how to educate students in contexts of fear and uncertainty.

First and foremost, we must strengthen our provision of the basics. 100% of our students should be connected to the digital tools and connectivity to actively participate in both in-person and virtual learning. 100% of our students should be equipped with the skills to read proficiently. The education sector cannot solve every problem raised by the pandemic for every student. However, we can connect our students and their families to the resources they need to navigate through the uncertainties of the moment.

Growing up, I saw how difficult it was for my dad to navigate the world because he could not read proficiently. This is why I am so concerned that only 30% of 4th grade students in DC performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading. Even in Ward 2 schools, reading proficiency hovers around 60%. This severely limits our students' opportunities to develop other essential skills, and that should concern all of us.

I also believe we must do more to foster essential “21st century literacies” for all students. Beyond reading proficiency, our education system must teach students how to recognize fact from opinion, analyze arguments, access vital services, and defend their constitutional rights.  

During the pandemic, I have spoken with hundreds of Ward 2 school principals, educators, students, and neighbors. I have heard your concerns over school safety, limited athletic field space, over-crowding, and over-testing. I have heard your belief in the value of strong neighborhood schools that connect students to customized learning opportunities. My goal is to bring attention to your experiences, elevate your perspectives, and address your concerns. Through the Board of Education, all voters have a say in how we educate the next generation.

I'm also running because I think diversity matters. If elected, I would be the first Asian-American member of DC's State Board of Education. I want to build from my lived experiences – as an educator, advocate, researcher, nonprofit executive, first-generation American, and first-generation college graduate – to help bring our community together in order to connect every student to the education they need. Thank you for the opportunity.

-Allister Chang