A new report from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows state budget cuts have widened the gap between schools in poor and wealthy communities.
The report, released this month by the university’s Institute for Democracy, Education, and Access, surveyed nearly 300 high school principals across California. Principals said cuts have shortened the school year, slashed summer school and after-school programs, increased class sizes, and reduced instructional materials.
Schools in low-income neighborhoods have been hit hardest, the report says, as wealthier schools have solicited donations and passed on the costs for field trips and athletics to parents. Poorer schools, meanwhile, have seen a rise in hungry and homeless students.
