In fighting against poverty and low achievement, these principals beat the odds

In fighting against poverty and low achievement, these principals beat the odds
In fighting against poverty and low achievement, these principals beat the odds

In fighting against poverty and low achievement, these principals beat the odds

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A new analysis by Daily Herald and WBEZ shows that poverty in the suburbs is deepening. On Monday reporters Melissa Silverberg and Linda Lutton detailed how students from low income families fare in the classroom. These students score low on state standardized tests, placing them behind their peers from wealthier households. But some schools can break that trend. On Tuesday, we focus on two of those. We talk to Principal Lavonne Smiley from Teftt Middle School in Streamwood who moved the dials so now more than half the students are meeting state expectations by making parents an integral part of their kids’ education. And Principal Irma Bates from Sunny Hill Elementary in Carpentersville explains how school is more than just classrooms, but serves a central meeting place for families in the community. (Flickr/violet monde)