This video, by Stanford University sociologist Prudence Carter, explains why diversity in schools does not equal true integration. As we’ve learned from our research of other places that have achieved socioeconomic integration, real success requires building inclusive school communities.
Prudence Carter explains that when she quotes a 15-year-old student she interviewed: “If you want to eliminate the achievement gap, you must first eliminate the empathy gap.”
While GS4A believes that socioeconomic integration is essential to improving outcomes for poor children, we also know that integrated schools work only when students learn from each other, share connections and networks and interact with adults who care about them all.