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"Gov. John Kasich's budget will send more money to districts with low incomes, he and aides promoting his plan are saying."

"There is a growing divide between who earns a bachelor's degree by age 24, with the gap between the nation's richest and poorest students doubling during the last four decades, according to a report released Tuesday. The percentage of students from the lowest-income families those making $34,160 a year or less earning a bachelor's degree has inched up just 3 points since 1970, rising from 6 to 9 percent by 2013. Meanwhile, college completion for students from the wealthiest families has risen dramatically, climbing from 44 to 77 percent."

"The achievement gap between middle-class and low-income students is readily evident when looking at Michigan's test scores, graduation rates and other academic outcomes. For instance, Michigan fourth-graders from low-income families were only half as likely to test proficient in math in 2013-14 compared to their middle-class and affluent peers."

" Increase funding to public education, particularly to public schools in low-income communities: In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the funding was unconstitutionally inequitable between more affluent and poorer school districts in Ohio. This has never been remedied. Instead, in 2011, significant cuts were made to public education across Ohio."

"More than 40 years ago, California set a goal of providing access to higher education for low and middle-income students. That goal became a reality with the passage of funding for Cal Grants, cash awards for college aid, and the application window is open through March 2."

"Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Luke Messer of Indiana have introduced a bill that could produce positive, badly needed change in American K-12 education. The bill allows for Title 1 education funds 'to follow low-income students to any public or private school of their choice.'"

"When the Children's Defense Fund went about putting together its latest report on child poverty in America, it did something new: It put a price tag on its proposals. To reduce child poverty by 60 percent in just a few years would cost $77 billion a year, it found."

"Poverty clearly presents great challenges to improving our schools. More local and state funding is warranted, and we'll continue to strongly advocate for additional wise investment. But we can't and we won't wait for someone to solve poverty. So much is already within our control, and poverty is not destiny."

"Attending a top college can be a life-changer for bright low-income kids. But many of them end up at schools with low graduation rates because they are misinformed about cost and the college experience, according to research from economics professors Caroline Hoxby of Stanford and Christopher Avery of Harvard."

"The share of schoolkids who qualify for free or reduced lunches crossed the 50% threshold in 2013, according to a recent Southern Education Foundation report. That compares to fewer than 32% back in 1989. Students eligible for subsidized school lunches come from families who are in poverty or just above it. A child living with a single parent would qualify if the family's income was less than $28,000. A family of four would receive free or reduced lunches if their income was less than $42,600."

"Research shows that low-income parents speak with their children less than parents in higher income brackets. By the time those children are three years old, they have heard 30 million fewer words than middle class peers. One non-profit in Colorado, Bright By Three, is trying to level the playing field."

"Susanna Loeb and Ben York at Stanford's Center for Education Policy Analysis, founded Ready4K!, a program that sends parents of preschoolers in a low-income San Francisco school district weekly tips via text message on how to improve their children's literacy. The initiative is designed to fit within the lives of families, rather than adding yet another burden."