Poor students poorly prepared, need better schools, lawmakers say

from WMC

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Legislators told state education officials today that they're concerned students living in poverty aren't being properly prepared to enter college or the work force upon graduation.

State Representative Barbara Cooper of Memphis said she was contacted recently by a woman who wasn't able to find a job, to join the military or qualify for a lottery scholarship after leaving high school.

Cooper told the House Education Committee that poor children simply are not receiving the quality, experienced teachers that they need.

The Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University is using its research findings to prepare recommendations for the State Board of Education about changes needed in Tennessee's K-12 schools.

Among the research findings is that inexperienced teachers are more likely to teach in high-poverty schools, part of a national trend.

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