Helen Ladd and Edward Fiske absolutely get it  right in their commentary on socioeconomics of s education policy (Class Matters. Why Won’t We Admit Itω – December 12).

We have long known that poor students from inner city neighborhoods to rural Appalachia don’t receive the same quality of education as students from Westport, Conn. or Beverly Hills, and that income inequality affects student achievement.

But we also know that when schools and community leaders work together, they can dramatically improve the children’s chances for success. Tulsa, Portland, Cincinnati among others, are doing this through the community school strategy. These local leaders are responding to the challenges like hunger, mobility, family stress and limited opportunity that affect students. They are being smarter with all their resources, and building strong schools and community connections.  

The question is, will policymakers step up and support what is working in these communities or continue to ignore the impact of poverty on educationω

 

Martin J. Blank

President, Institute for Educational Leadership

Director, Coalition for Community Schools