A new UMD study highlighted by Chalkbeat finds that while public schools help narrow funding gaps, children in poverty still face major disparities. Researchers estimate low-income children receive tens of thousands of dollars less in total investment, particularly in areas like housing, health care and childcare.
“The findings of this are not surprising,” said Associate Professor and the study’s lead author David Blazar. “What’s most compelling is thinking about investments in kids as a bundle—it’s not just about housing, it’s not just about early childhood. It’s about the investments we make altogether.”
At a moment when there is intense discussion about declines and disparities in student learning, the study is a helpful reminder of the broad array of factors that shapes children’s academic success.
