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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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Chicago Sun-Times, August 21, 2011: Strengthen economy by investing in community colleges
"They are also a bridge for many students to a four-year institution. Of all postsecondary sectors, community colleges enroll by far the highest proportion of low-income youth and the highest proportion of minority groups, who have the most difficult time finding jobs. "
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, August 21, 2011: (Editorial) Muscogee County School District discovers it's difficult tackling poverty, educating disabled students at the same time
"Sure, poverty is one reason why an alarming number of Muscogee County schools failed to make adequate yearly progress in last month's preliminary report. But it's not a good enough reason."
Columbia Daily Tribune, August 20, 2011: Schools panel has ideas to reduce achievement gap
"The achievement gap, or academic disparity among minority students, students from families in poverty and all other students, has been an issue on the district's radar for years, but in the 2010- 11 school year district administrators organized two community forums to get everyone talking about the issue."
The Bradenton Herald, August 19, 2011: A challenging school year awaiting students
"Computer proficiency is becoming more and more critical for student success. Children lacking access to a computer after school are at a distinct disadvantage, especially the growing number of homeless students."
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, August 19, 2011: Once-homeless Fort Worth student gets a dorm makeover
"Too many times in Micah Young's life, the school day ended and he wondered where he'd sleep that night. His mom died when he was 6. After that, he bounced between relatives' homes. Or he crashed on friends' sofas. He even slept outside his middle school."
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, August 19, 2011: Local elementary school students receive free backpacks with school supplies
"Forty-six Monte Vista Elementary Students in Montclair received backpacks as part of the Hope Through Housing Foundation's After School and Beyond program. The program provides children from low-income families the school supplies they need to succeed."
Sacramento Bee, August 16, 2011: Sacramento-area proficiency rises in STAR results
"The differences in scores across the state are influenced by a number of factors, including poverty rates, said Jamal Abedi, a UC Davis professor and education expert. He said the increase in scores statewide is 'good news,' especially considering the large number of English language learners in California."
The Associated Press, August 16, 2011: Free meals for all Detroit school children in fall
"'One of the primary goals of this program is to eliminate the stigma that students feel when they get a free lunch, as opposed to paying cash,' said Mark Schrupp, the district's chief operating officer. 'Some students would skip important meals to avoid being identified as low-income.'"
Los Angeles Times, August 16, 2011: Students show gains in English and math
"Over the last four years, the total of Reseda students who score at grade level or better in English rose from 39% to 47%; the percentage actually dipped slightly this year. In math over that period, the figure rose from 18% to 22%. About two-thirds of the school's students are low income and 18% are learning English."
Detroit Free Press, August 16, 2011: 1 in 5 Michigan schools falling short
"The 10-year-old federal law tracks the progress of entire student bodies and also how well individual schools and districts teach various subgroups of students, including those living in poverty, minority groups, and limited language and special education students."
Livingston County Press, August 16, 2011: Schools fail to hit progress mark
"The AYP measurement takes into account subgroups, such as special education, low-income students and minorities, but performance in one area can make or break whether a school makes the mark."
The New York Times, August 16, 2011: Medicaid Pays Less Than Medicare for Many Prescription Drugs, U.S. Report Finds
"Federal law specifies how the discount, or rebate, is calculated under Medicaid, the program for low-income people. The minimum rebate for a brand-name drug was increased last year to 23 percent of the average price that manufacturers receive for sales of the product to retail pharmacies."
