School district ratings don’t show full picture

U.S. News & World Report, the source of the April 28 listing of “The 20 best high schools in the Capital Region,” ranks schools on graduation rates, test scores and similar measures. This report misleads the public by failing to explain the role of socioeconomic status in determining performance. Such articles — along with the state’s method of funding schools, which depends heavily on local taxes — exacerbate economic inequality and racial injustice.

Affluent families buy homes in high-performing districts. These districts’

high real estate values allow them to collect sufficient taxes to fund generous educational programs without imposing high tax rates. This funding advantage, along with receiving kindergartners well prepared for school, ensures high performance.

Low-income families are priced out of this market. They frequently live in marginal neighborhoods in districts where low real estate values generate inadequate revenues despite high tax rates. Because state aid is insufficient, these districts cannot meet student needs. Because these parents are consumed with providing food and shelter, many children come to kindergarten unprepared and lack the outside enrichment enjoyed by more affluent peers.

Superior teaching and bright children exist in both kinds of schools, but the barriers to learning faced by less-affluent communities result in lower test scores and lower graduation rates. We must remove those barriers and provide all children with the sound, basic education they need to succeed. Martha P. Musser

Colonie