Low-Income Communities Less Likely to Attract Highly Qualified Teachers

According to an article dated April 26, 2006, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released data indicating that low-income communities are less likely to have highly qualified public school teachers than are more affluent areas. Historically low test scores and high drop-out rates at low-income schools can make recruiting and retaining top teachers more difficult. While the No Child Left Behind law requires states to have highly qualified teachers in all core academic classes by the end of the school year, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has indicated the deadline could be extended for states that demonstrate a "good faith effort" in meeting the goal. In an effort to address the issue, several states are offering incentives (such as bonuses and scholarships) for teaching at public schools where students are predominantly from low-income families.

The article is available at the USA Today Web site.