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You are exactly right, Amy. The achievement gap is a by-product of a larger issue. We need to look "upstream" to the root causes of the problem- namely poverty. Kids who are brought up in impoverished homes are more likely to be undernourshed, live in unsafe neighborhoods, be exposed to more chemicals, stress and violence. All of which impact a student's ability to do well in school.

We need to look with a wider lens at programs and policies that can help students achieve, such as access to health care, living wage and food assitance programs.

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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