Do you live in a nice Republican area of Orange County, maybe Placer County or some place close to Fabian Nunez’s $1 million dollar house in Sacramento?
Then the Upscale Real Estate Guide to Underperforming Schools is for you! The guide lists schools in areas with a High Median Home Price where over 50% of the students failed to meet the state standard in English or Math.
The guide is part of new book written by my friends at the Pacific Research Institute. Lance Izumi, Vicki Murray and Rachel Chaney. Not As Good As You Think: Why the Middle Class Needs School Choice explains exactly what the title says it does, but the guide will give a quick reference.
During school choice efforts in California and other states, opposition comes from more upscale communities many that are Republican strongholds. Their view is that their schools are “good” and urban schools are “bad”. The CTA plays on the fear that school choice will negatively impact “good” schools.
The research shows that having a high median home price doesn’t mean stellar academic success. Other stats include the numbers of students getting free lunch and that are designated as English Language Learners. It also has a place for parent’s education levels.
You can see that some schools in rich areas with low levels of poverty with parents that have degrees just aren’t making the grade.
It isn’t just GOP areas, but if you live in such a district you should ask hard questions of your school board. The pdf is here.
Did you just drop your kid off there?