Educational Leadership Resource Guide

From Encyclopedia of Special Education
Disadvantaged children (those born into poverty conditions) are at risk for developmental delays, school failure, behavioral problems, and a variety of other conditions. These children generally score below average on standardized intelligence and achievement tests, are overrepresented in special education classes, and are likely to drop out of school. In Birch and Gussow’s (1970) representation of the poverty cycle, school failure contributed directly to unemployment and underemployment, which in turn were the major perpetuators of the cycle. Such failure and resulting poverty are clearly costly to the affected individuals, their children, and society at large.

School effects and school improvement research have consistently identified several core elements that result in improved student achievement. These include a pervasive focus on learning; attention to producing a positive school climate; initiatives to involve parents in productive ways; support systems to help students achieve success; specific efforts to achieve equity in learning opportunities and outcomes; multicultural education strategies; challenging academic content; and opportunities for students to use dialogue and ideally develop both their native language and English language skills

We are a nationwide network of passionate professionals working in public schools to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (NDPC/N) was begun in 1986 to serve as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and to offer strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America's schools. Over the years, the NDPC/N has become a well-established national resource for sharing solutions for student success.

The National Head Start Association is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 1 million children, 200,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start grantees in the United States.

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.