SAN MATEO — The state schools chief Wednesday called a persistent achievement gap among California's students a "major civil-rights issue of our lifetime."

The state has made some progress narrowing that gap, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell told about 150 people attending a town hall meeting at Hillsdale High School, but "we need to accelerate that."

The academic disparity in particular shows black and Latino students continuing to lag behind their Asian and white peers.

Improving access to preschool for families is "probably the best way to address the achievement gap," O'Connell said.

Educators say preschool gives young children the foundation for successful lifelong learning.

The visit by the state's top educator pleased Hillsdale High parent Merle Mason.

"He's right here in our neighborhood school," Mason said. "Hopefully, (state leaders) can work through the issues. These are tough times."