California studies continue to show persistent academic disparities among African American students

BAKERFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — California studies continue to show persistent academic disparities among African American students.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

“Math, English, Arts—all that type of stuff—you build your character and you learn so much.”

That’s 7-year-old My’Kayla Lewis. Diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD at just five years old, My’Kayla says she loves learning.

But it hasn’t always been easy. Her mother, Tela Herbert, says they’ve faced challenges with teachers and school staff from the very beginning.

Tela Herbert explains,“Sometimes when you don’t have the proper diagnosis, people tend to treat you differently. They might assume it’s just a behavior problem or that the child is being disruptive, but sometimes that’s not the case at all.”

Tela isn’t alone. A recent Cal