Week 4 Readings
Housing inequality and racial segregation affect inequality in schooling due to the issue of housing location determining one’s school options. Issues such as school district redlining, lack of access to specialty schools, low-income schools receiving limited funding are just some factors that contribute. The article “Do Children’s Zip Codes at Birth?” offers further examples from individuals that have worked in and attended these schools firsthand. Kinyette Henderson discusses how it may be difficult for students to dream big when they don’t see anyone around them making it out of their neighborhood for something different, potentially making them unaware that it could even be possible. Amir Tehari mentions an important element that we may overlook regarding schooling inequality: the health and safety of poor neighborhoods. Tehari mentions things such as exposure to lead and increased exposure to pollution can cause students to fall behind in school and struggle as well. Teacher Ivy Lin mentions that many of her students are essential workers that are called in to work. This makes it incredibly difficult to juggle work with school. Even beyond that, these students are put on the front lines in terms of Covid. They are at risk in a way that students that do not have to work are not.
Perry’s article gives an example of a voucher program as a solution to address educational inequality. Based on my understanding, this program gives families housing vouchers that may allow them to move to a neighborhood with a better-funded school systems. This is done so that families can “escape” the environment that they are living in in favor of one that is “better.” These families are also likely under the impression that they will have many options to choose from in their relocation.
As good as this program sounds, neither me nor Perry support it due to its negative ramifications. First, this plan is not financially sound. Families moving out of areas with underfunded schools in mass will only cause these schools to receive even less funding. Second, this plan works better in theory than in practice. The voucher system makes it incredibly difficult to families to find a house that fits them, is in the right area for them, and has any availability. Third, Perry urges us to acknowledge that voucher programs are generally rooted in racism. Black neighborhoods are looked down upon and considered unworthy of funding. Instead of providing these places some help, vouchers encourages families to abandon theses areas so they do not have to be dealt with. Additionally, the voucher concept comes from individuals intent on maintaining segregation. Overall, the voucher system only works to maintain inequality, and should not be supported as a way for all students to receive equal education.
