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Find the latest stories, research, and insights on policies, programs, and ideas shaping the national conversation on poverty and economic mobility.
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Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity leads research and consulting initiatives that identify and address barriers to economic well-being.
Type
State
Issue
Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2013: All-day kindergarten gaining traction in Chicago area
"Officials are working out the details now and looking for a way to lower costs before kindergarten registration begins in March, Superintendent Donn Mendoza said. Fees for low-income students are expected to be waived, possibly based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price lunches, he said."
Washington County computer training program gets boost from grant
"The Portland-based John T. Gorman Foundation is providing a $300,000 grant to the Machias-based Sunrise County Economic Council to fund the technology training program, formally known as the Washington County Education and Employment through Sustainable Broadband Adoption Project [��_] Free classes have covered basic computer skills, Microsoft programs and social media skills. They�ve been held at locations throughout the 2,568 square miles that make up Washington County, which is struggling with limited economic activity, 9.4 percent unemployment and the state�s highest poverty rate."
The Washington Times, January 28, 2013: (Op-Ed) Tough-love education reforms produce results
"Any city with levels of poverty like Washington (as many as 70 percent of students are low-income) is facing struggles that the suburban districts can never imagine. These are daily struggles for basic necessities, neglectful home situations, poor nutrition and the like. Yet is any city's socio-economic status a reason to give up on 4 out of every 10 students?"
The Record, January 28, 2013: Bringing college to the masses
"A 2012 study by the New York-based Community College Resource Center suggested programs in which high schools offer college-credit courses could be a step toward equity for students from low-income and minority backgrounds. Studying California students in particular, researchers reported that those taking the college-credit courses are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in four-year colleges and be successful once they get there."
The Virginian-Pilot, January 28, 2013: In Norfolk, newest teachers face tougher tasks
"Board member Rodney Jordan agreed that a child's zip code should not be the primary determinant of how many experienced teachers he or she encounters.' But Jordan said reducing concentrations of poverty in schools and improving education may be a better strategy than reassigning teachers within the division. He said research shows that high-poverty schools have more difficulty attracting experienced teachers."
News & Record, January 28, 2013: Poverty eclipses race in schools
"Poor schools are getting poorer in Guilford and most other counties in the state, overtaking concerns about racial imbalances in the public schools."
Sacramento Bee, January 28, 2013: (Op-Ed) Our philosopher-governor channels Aristotle on schools
"So Brown is proposing to start with a base of $6,816 per student (equal shares to equals), adding extra money for students who are English learners, low-income or in foster care (unequal shares to unequals). And he repeated his Aristotelian maxim in Thursday's State of the State address: Equal treatment for children in unequal situations is not justice.'"
Chicago Tribune, January 27, 2013: Remarkable Woman: Amy Thomas Elder
"It's a program of the Illinois Humanities Council in partnership with the University of Chicago's Civic Knowledge Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Bard College's (New York) Clemente Course in the Humanities. Since the late Earl Shorris founded the course in 1995, believing the humanities could provide a path out of poverty, the model has been used around the world."
St. Cloud Times, January 27, 2013: (Op-Ed) Increase integration in schools
"Advantaged students disproportionately use open enrollment, generally because they have the resources to overcome out-of-district transportation. Low-income families often don't have the means to accommodate transferring their children, resulting in a class divide and an increase in the achievement gap between schools."
Daily Times, January 27, 2013: With special education, one size doesn't fit all
"Nationally, research has shown ties between poverty and special education, according to an analysis titled Poverty and Special Ed' by LEARN NC, a program of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Education. The analysis outlined a few factors the National Research Council found as to a growing number of poor children receiving special education services."
The Houston Chronicle, January 27, 2013: Poorer Texas kids lead to higher education costs
"Texas' high child poverty rate is beginning to make demands on the state's budget, and experts warn the state needs to spend more on education or the state's economy could slow."
Vallejo Times Herald, January 26, 2013: Benicia to consider giving seniors break on low-flow toilets, washers
"A city panel Monday will discuss ways to give low-income seniors a break on high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers and landscaping. The Community Sustainability Commission requested information on potential water-saving programs to ease the blow to seniors of recently approved water rate increases. The city is also phasing out water-rate subsidies available to residents age 60 and over."
