Learning and Poverty

Minnesota students are traditionally among the nation's top performers on key standardized tests.
Students have thrived in school because a strong supportive home life and community have nurtured their development.

Unfortunately, students of poverty and students of color consistently  score far below their white classmates. This disparity in academic performance between groups of students is known as the       achievement gap.

Achievement gaps are often attributed to income level and home environment. Poor and minority students must overcome a host of disadvantages in their home and family environment, including language development, literacy development, self-confidence, health and housing. When analyzed according to race and ethnicity achievement, disparities negatively impact educational outcomes for poor children and children of color on a consistent basis.

School Strategies

Educators are trying lots of strategies to narrow the gap, from expanded early childhood programs to smaller class sizes, and from more rigorous courses to higher academic standards. These efforts offer some promise.

But research shows schools can't do it alone.

Closing or substantially narrowing achievement gaps requires combining school improvement with reforms that narrow the vast socioeconomic inequalities. Without such a combination, says Richard Rothstein, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, "demands that schools fully close achievement gaps not only will remain unfulfilled, but also will cause us to foolishly and unfairly condemn schools and teachers."  

Who Benefits?

Who benefits when Bloomington's children have opportunities for educational success? We all do.

Business has a huge stake in a well-educated future workforce because economic health is built upon knowledge. If educational disparities between race and ethnic groups, and high and low income groups are not reduced, it is likely to have a significant negative impact on Bloomington's future economic strength and competitiveness.

Faith communities are important allies and resources in reducing educational disparities. Research finds a positive relationship between religion and student achievement.

Community offers opportunities that both complement learning in schools and collectively results in better developmental outcomes for children.