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"Instead of searching for a "silver bullet," we must work toward a common vision and priorities that center on data, not ideology. We need a targeted approach that builds on our public and private investments to alleviate the effects of poverty, support children and families in meaningful ways, and create a culture of learning."

"Two pieces of economic news should not be allowed to slip quickly from the headlines this week. The first has to do with the new poverty numbers. Nearly one in two Americans have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low-income."

"The task force vote also recommended raising the required lottery reserve to $100 million from $50 million and setting aside a $10 million annual supplement for the Tennessee Student Assistance Awards program, which could give scholarships to 5,600 low-income students."

"Reformers such as former D.C. schools chancellor Michelle A. Rhee argue that for too long, weak teachers have used poverty as an excuse and that an effective educator can transcend circumstances. Unions such as the AFT maintain that economic and social factors must be addressed for a child to succeed."

"It builds on a series of smaller events that have been held statewide to discuss ways to close the achievement gap between white and minority students, and between wealthy and low-income students."

"President Obama's remarks on inequality, stoking populist anger at 'the rich,' suggest that the theme for his reelection bid will be not hope and change but focus on reducing class disparity with government help. But this effort isn't limited to economics; it is playing out in our nation's schools as well."

"The Bibb County school system should take part in a newly launched federal program that provides low-cost, high-speed Internet to low-income families at home, according to a report this month on the school system's technology."

"Workers in the home health care industry - one of the country's fastest growing professions - would be guaranteed minimum wage and overtime protections under new rules proposed yesterday by the Obama administration."

"States also are required to offer recognition or even financial rewards for schools that largely serve low-income students and show the most improvement. States also must adopt the learning standards to judge whether students are ready for college and put in place teacher and principal evaluation systems that measure educators, in part, on the academic progress of their students -- both steps that Illinois has taken."

"Representatives of the California School Boards Association and Association of California School Administrators said they are considering joining the lawsuit because it will adversely affect low-income districts the most, as well as disabled pupils who must travel to special programs."

"The program will target low-income students, with a preference for those who would be the first in their family to attend college, she said. Students will be required to maintain high grades and sign contracts promising to stay out of trouble. Students will be paired with mentors who will help them prepare for and apply to college, she said."

"Amid the debates about our public schools and the need for education reform, the impact of poverty on student learning outcomes seems to be missing. Research has established a clear link between poverty and student performance. Yet many critics of public schools deride the poverty-achievement link as an excuse for poor teaching."