Closing the Gap: What Do Students Really Need to Succeed?
Closing the Gap: What Do Students Really Need to Succeed? An eye-opening conversation about the basic needs behind academic success As a new school year begins, communities once again prepare backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and classroom supplies. But there is a question we don't ask often enough: “Does every student have what they need to succeed?” A backpack may be full of supplies, but what about the student carrying it? Do they have shoes that fit? Do they have clean, appropriate clothing? Do they have access to hygiene products? Do they have enough food? Do they have transportation? Do they have access to technology? Do they have someone they can talk to when life becomes overwhelming? Student success begins long before the first assignment is turned in. The Student Behind the Backpack Imagine walking into a classroom carrying everything you need for school—but also carrying the worry of not having enough at home. A student may be sitting in class thinking about an upcoming t...