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Why Do Schools in Wealthier Neighborhoods Have More Resources?

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Why Do Schools in Wealthier Neighborhoods Have More Resources?

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School funding in the United States primarily comes from local property taxes, tying educational resources directly to the wealth of a community. High property values in wealthy areas generate substantial revenue, enabling schools to hire experienced teachers, invest in advanced technology, and maintain well-equipped facilities. Meanwhile, schools in low-income neighborhoods, reliant on lower property tax revenues, face significant funding shortages. According to EdBuild’s report Fault Lines, this system perpetuates inequities, leaving underfunded schools struggling to provide basic resources. These disparities not only affect academic outcomes but also limit extracurricular opportunities, mental health support, and overall student development.

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Dear Reader,

Education is often viewed as a pathway to equal opportunity, by allowing individuals to level up in society.Yet, the reality is far from equal. Major differences in funding, mental health resources, standardized testing, and access to technology creates inequalities in our school system. In wealthy neighborhoods, schools flourish with many resources, advanced facilities, and well compensated staff. Meanwhile, in economically disadvantaged areas, schools struggle with outdated materials, underpaid teachers, and insufficient support systems. These systemic disparities create barriers that prevent countless students from reaching their full potential.

This project invites you to join me in exploring the interconnected challenges within our education system. Together, we will examine the root causes of these disparities and consider solutions aimed towards building a more equal and inclusive educational system. Let us dive into these issues and re-imagine a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically.

Sincerely,
Dakota Reid

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This multigenre project has been a valuable learning experience, allowing me to combine my passion for educational equity with my research and creative skills. One of my strengths was having a solid understanding of the topic, which helped me stay engaged and motivated throughout the process. I was able to incorporate research and creativity into my project effectively.

However, I found it challenging to avoid repetition across the different genres I used. I had to think creatively to make sure each genre brought something new to the project, which pushed me to explore fresh ideas and methods. This experience helped me learn how to present complex information in more accessible and relatable ways.

Going forward, I want to work on improving my creative skills, especially in making stronger emotional connections with my audience. This project has not only deepened my understanding of the issues within the education system but has also strengthened my commitment to advocating for change and finding solutions to help all students succeed.

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EdBuild. Fault Lines: America’s Most Segregated School District Borders. 2019.

The Century Foundation. Closing America’s Education Funding Gaps. 2020.

Education Law Center. Making the Grade: How Fair is School Funding in Your State? 2021.

"The Impact of Standardized Testing on Education." NEA Today, National Education Association, 2018.

Hickey, David. "The Case for Performance Assessment." Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 2019.

"Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects Social Media Use Has on Youth Mental Health." HHS.gov,2023.

Flannery, Mary Ellen. "The Epidemic of Anxiety Among Today's Students." NEA Today, National Education Association, 28 Mar. 2018

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Date: 12/11/24

Dear Diary,

We had an away game at one of those rich schools tonight, and it felt like stepping into another world. Their gym was like a college arena, polished floors, bright lights, and a state of the art electronic scoreboard. Everything there looked new and high tech, like no expense had been spared.

Meanwhile, back at our school, we can barely keep the heaters running, and we’re constantly short on supplies. Our classrooms are overcrowded, with peeling paint and outdated textbooks. It’s hard not to feel like we’re being left behind. I read that schools in wealthier areas get more funding because of property taxes. It feels so unfair, we work just as hard, but the system isn’t giving us the same opportunities. How are we supposed to compete when the playing field isn’t level?

(Education Law Center, The Century Foundation)

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Mental health challenges affect both students and teachers, but schools frequently lack the resources to address these issues effectively. Students grapple with anxiety, depression, and academic pressures, while teachers face burnout and emotional exhaustion. Research indicates that over 70% of students experience anxiety, yet many schools fail to provide adequate counseling services or mental health programs. As one report states, “70 percent of teens say anxiety and depression is a 'major problem' among their peers" (Flannery). Teachers, often unsupported, struggle to balance their well-being with their responsibilities. Without systemic changes, these problems persist, undermining the potential for schools to be safe and nurturing environments. Prioritizing mental health initiatives and funding comprehensive support systems are essential steps toward fostering a healthy learning atmosphere.

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Underneath the same flag, students stand
But the book seems heavier on one hand
In one school, smartboards glow with learning lights
While in another, books broken and torn fight.
Tiles crack and ceilings fall,
Yet hopes still rise in the broken hall.
Why is opportunity tied to the tax?
What’s left for those who slip through the cracks?
Beneath these walls, dreams take root,
But unequal soil weakens the shoot.
How long must we wait, how far must we climb,
Before every child’s future is free of grime?
For the promise of fairness, we must strive,
So every dream can truly thrive.

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Mental health matters: School announcement 

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Mental health matters: School announcement 

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This school announcement fosters support for mental health by creating an inclusive environment where students and staff are reminded that their well-being matters. It encourages openness and access to resources like counselors, mindfulness practices, and peer support. Such announcements should be a regular part of school culture to normalize discussions around mental health and reduce stigma, as studies show that mental health services improve student outcomes and overall school atmosphere.

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Maya was a high school student who excelled in creativity and problem solving but struggled with standardized tests. At her underfunded school, there were few resources to help her improve her test scores, and she felt frustrated by a system that seemed to value testing over her unique talents. After another disappointing test score, Maya decided to take action. With support from her favorite teachers, she started a movement advocating for alternative assessments like portfolios and project based evaluations. She gathered stories from classmates who shared her frustration and researched schools that had successfully implemented these alternative methods. Her efforts eventually led to the introduction of pilot programs at her school, giving students a chance to demonstrate their learning in more meaningful ways. Maya’s journey showed how one student’s determination, with the right support, could challenge the limitations of standardized testing and spark change in education.

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Technology has transformed education, offering tools to enhance engagement and access. However, its integration remains uneven, deepening existing inequalities across schools. In well funded schools, students benefit from interactive platforms, virtual reality tools, and personalized learning software, supporting their learning experience. In contrast, underfunded schools often struggle with outdated devices and unreliable internet access, limiting their students opportunities. This digital divide highlights the disparities in educational resources and opportunities. Additionally, concerns about the overuse of technology, especially the impact of excessive screen time on physical and mental health continue to grow. As one expert notes, "While technology can enhance learning, its overuse has been linked to physical and psychological health issues, including disrupted sleep and anxiety" (Smith). Balancing the advantages of technological integration with its potential risks is essential for promoting equity and innovation in education.

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Standardized testing is a widespread tool for measuring academic achievement, yet it remains a contentious topic. Critics argue that these tests emphasize memorization over critical thinking, disproportionately disadvantaging low-income students who lack access to test preparation resources. Additionally, standardized tests often fail to account for diverse learning styles or cultural contexts, leading to incomplete assessments of student abilities.As Molly Malinowski, a first-grade teacher, points out, "Standardized tests don’t allow choice because it’s one-size-fits-all. Students may have the knowledge, but may not be able to show what they know and understand on the test. They can demonstrate that in performance-based assessments." This advocates for different alternatives such as project-based evaluations, portfolios, or collaborative problem-solving tasks, which provide a more integrated understanding of student learning. As education systems evolve, rethinking assessment methods could pave the way for fairer and more inclusive evaluations.