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"Of course, the primary benefit to neighborhood schools comes from the thousands of high-poverty, low-performing students the program is serving.... [T]he scholarship attracts the poorest and lowest-performing students from disproportionately low-performing public schools."

"Why do some high-poverty schools far outperform others? Barbara Thompson, Montgomery Public Schools superintendent, said Thursday that the answer to that question will eventually lead to major changes in the structure, curriculum and staffing of Montgomery schools."

"Last year, 65 percent of low-income third grade students scored below proficient on the MCAS reading test. And overall, the percentage of third-graders receiving below-proficient scores has hovered around 40 percent over the last decade."

"Research indicates that beginning school at an older age improves children's social and academic development. A 2005 study by the Rand Corporation found a "significant boost" to test scores, especially for children from low-income families."

"'These kids have lost loved ones, been in abusive situations, homeless, expelled from traditional and alternative schools, incarcerated,' Ryan said. 'Some haven't even been to school since Katrina.'"

"Critics warn against relying too much on standardized tests to judge teachers. And some Hillsborough teachers worry they'll be penalized for teaching low-income students or those with special needs."

"You're eligible if you have a Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage health plan that includes prescription coverage, and you are not receiving extra drug benefits from Medicare because of low income."

"Bishop Spaugh Academy, a middle school that gets extra federal money because of high poverty levels, still has needs that aren't allowed under the federal program, says Principal Denise Watts."

"Low-income parents often struggle to provide school uniforms for their children, and a new campaign hopes to... help them afford new clothes. The South Bend Community School Corp. is opening [a shop]..., where low-income families can pick out a school uniform for free. "

"Often, that goes hand-in-hand with low family incomes. For example, in Guilford County students from low-income households make up nearly half of the student body but less than 20 percent of advanced learners."

"For instance, students coming from impoverished backgrounds often have a better chance at succeeding during their college careers if they see examples of peers who have done well once they entered higher education."

"Participants... discussed the recent decision by Congress to reduce the role of banks in making subsidized student loans... That's expected to yield $61 billion in savings over 10 years that will be used to increase the annual Pell Grants awarded to low-income students."