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Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity leads research and consulting initiatives that identify and address barriers to economic well-being.
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Deseret Morning News, November 6, 2011: U.S. wealth gap between young and old is widest ever
"The typical U.S. household headed by a person age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times greater than a household headed by someone under 35, according to an analysis of census data released Monday. While people typically accumulate assets as they age, this wealth gap is now more than double what it was in 2005 and nearly five times the 10-to-1 disparity a quarter-century ago, after adjusting for inflation."
Los Angeles Times, November 5, 2011: Where poor students soar
"The San Fernando Valley campus, in a working-class pocket of North Hills, was singled out by Los Angeles Unified Supt. John Deasy in a conversation we had last month about whether low-income, Latino students in this district are doomed to mediocrity."
Los Angeles Times, November 5, 2011: Romney presents plan for $500 billion in cuts
"It was unclear, for example, how a potential Romney administration would set the level of premium support for Medicare and how much that defined amount would increase as medical costs continue to skyrocket. Though Romney said wealthier seniors would be asked to pay more than low-income seniors, he did not explain how those differentiations would be made."
The Macon Telegraph, November 5, 2011: Georgia's first lady, state superintendent visit Houston schools
"'In the face of really difficult challenges, which in their case is high poverty in their system, they've been able to dramatically increase student achievement,' Barge said of Shirley Hills. 'It really drives home that there are no excuses.'"
The Miami Herald, November 5, 2011: Complex new teacher evaluations tied to student test scores
"'They said every child should be able to learn, regardless of their poverty level,' said Gisela Feild, Miami-Dade's administrative director for assessment, research and data analysis. Otherwise, it would have been good to include, Feild said. 'We all know that poverty is a big indicator.'"
Asbury Park Press, November 4, 2011: (Op-Ed) Christie cuts shortchange schools
"Low-income students, those eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch, have increased by about 60 percent in both districts. Currently, 26 percent of Red Bank students and 14 percent of Freehold students have limited English proficiency."
Los Angeles Times, November 3, 2011: Portrait of poverty changes as workers, Latinos hit hard
"As demonstrations against the unequal concentration of wealth in the United States ratchet up, research provides a statistical look at that distribution: The number of people living in poverty has increased; where the poor live is changing; and the faces of those struggling to make ends meet are becoming more Latino, elderly and working-class."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 3, 2011: Georgia must return to leadership role
"It's a shocking development. Not only do low-income students typically fare worse than the average on such exams, but also the gap between Georgia students and low-income Florida students was still large nine years ago."
Los Angeles Times, November 3, 2011: Average student loan debt exceeds $25,000
"Some experts had expected a bigger increase in debt given the gloomy economy, but increased financial aid at some schools partially offset the hit for low-income students and those at pricier colleges."
The Huffington Post, November 3, 2011: Average Student Loan Debt: $25,250
"Roughly two-thirds of the class of 2010 borrowed for college, and they were hit especially hard because the unemployment rate for new college graduates stood at 9.1 percent the year they graduated though that's less than half the rate for counterparts who only have a high school degree."
The New York Times, November 3, 2011: College Graduates' Debt Burden Grew, Yet Again, in 2010
"Last week, the Obama administration announced new programs to ease the repayment of student loans, changing the income-based repayment program next year to allow lower monthly payments and shorter durations for low-income borrowers, and offering a slightly lower interest rate to some borrowers who consolidate their loans."
The San Francisco Chronicle, November 2, 2011: California test scores again come up short
"At Rosa Parks Elementary, for example, low-income and black students are reading better, apparently because of a laser-like focus on the subject.Teachers ensure that every child has books that not only fit their interests but their skill, which is often far below grade level. After-school programs and volunteers also help students read, said Principal Paul Jacobse"
