Episode 112 - When “A” Means Affluent

Last week the NC Department of Public Instruction released its annual A-F School Performance Grades for the state’s public schools and they continue to reflect a clear relationship between poverty and student test scores. This week on the show we discuss the latest school grades and the grading system itself. Why do the school grades correlate to strongly to poverty? Do they provide an accurate assessment of the job our schools are doing educating students? If not, what needs to change? Guests: • Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Policy Director, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Helen “Sunny” Ladd, Susan B. King Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy • Michelle Burton, Librarian/Teacher, Durham Public Schools