Protesters call for improved reading scores among African-American students

November 14, 2007 (WLS) -- A group of parents, ministers and community leaders say African American high school students in Chicago have inadequate reading test scores.

The group marched on Chicago's city hall Wednesday. They say the results of recent state reading tests for black students are too low. They say one of four black students cannot read at their grade level.

According to the National Association for Educational Progress, the average 17-year-old African American student has the reading and math score of a 14-year-old white student.

The group rallied outside Mayor Daley's office, saying good reading skills are essential to survival.

The mayor's office has not commented. But Chicago Public Schools officials say they have seen growth in elementary school scores. But they say it's still not enough.

They stress they are trying to make dramatic changes with programs such as Renaissance 2010.

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