Here are two innovative ways to begin closing the gap, and raising the level of achievement for all kids: school uniforms and year-round schooling (perhaps the same number of days off, but more evenly spread throughout the year.)

 

Studies show that low-income kids lose considerable academic ground during the protracted summer break, whereas middle and upper-income kids lose less, and in many cases even gain  some ground--especially in reading.

 

Uniforms remove much of the social stratification that occurs in the public school system, and help mitigate peer pressure to make visible social statements that distract kids from what is really important (i.e., learning.) They help mitigate bullying, and they are easier on the wallet for most parents because kids only require a few key wardrobe essentials (navy blue slacks and white shirts, perhaps?) for the start of the school year.

 

Let's be creative about how we serve the children of our community. Let's take some risks and be a little gutsy. Our kids deserve every chance we can give them.