Discussion of poverty, race and public education set Sept. 12

University of Delaware professor Daniel Rich, PhD, will speak at the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Trinity Faith Christian Center, 15516 New Road in Lewes. The topic is “Poverty, Race, and Public Education in Delaware: Past, Present and Future.”

Rich challenges today's leaders to learn from past failures, respond to present conditions and plan for the future success of Delaware public school students. His illustrated talk will inform and challenge professional educators and the public alike on how the system can serve the students, not the other way around.

Education is often mentioned as a pathway out of poverty. Often the conditions of poverty make that pathway inaccessible. The achievement gap is growing, and it must be narrowed. As the school year begins, it is an appropriate time to focus on needs, resources and solutions to bridge that gap.

Rich will address these and other issues in his presentation:

• The condition of child poverty in Delaware and its relationship to educational achievement
• The status of any comprehensive or integrated plan to address the overall challenges of poverty for Delaware children and families
• The status of focused resources for low-income students, English language learners and basic special education in kindergarten through third grade.

Rich is University Professor of Public Policy at the University of Delaware and director of the university's Community Engagement Initiative.

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that educates, informs and advocates for racial justice, equality and fair opportunity. Everyone is encouraged to join. Membership is free. To sign up for email bulletins, go to www.sdarj.org.