Poor Kids Need More Support All Around

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, in his new book Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, writes about the breakdown of civic values and the unraveling web of formal and informal supports that help students in poverty succeed academically and in life.

"If it takes a village to raise a child...villages rich and poor have shirked their collective responsibility for our kids" from frequencies in families eating together, spending money on kids for extra-curricular activities, and accessing informal mentors.

Those over 65 outnumber those under 18, tend to be wealthier and white, while the school age population has more poor minorities. Those from the wealthiest quarter were two or three times more likely to have had adult mentors and schools with 75% poverty or more in 2009-10 were offered fewer Advanced Placement courses.

Putnam suggests more parent involvement programs; community-school partnerships with health, social services and enrichment activities and access to advanced courses.

Read more in Education Week.