1. Invest in early childhood education. Studies have shown that children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to be placed in special education or retained. This is especially important for children from low-income families, who are more likely to be segregated in schools.
2. Promote diverse housing policies. Segregation in housing leads to segregation in schools, as children are often assigned to schools based on their zip code. By promoting diverse housing policies, such as inclusionary zoning and affordable housing, we can help to create more integrated communities and schools.
3. Implement school choice programs. School choice programs allow parents to choose the school their child attends, regardless of their zip code. This can help to break up concentrations of poverty and segregation in schools.
4. Provide transportation to students who need it. Many children from low-income families live in areas with limited access to transportation, which can make it difficult for them to attend schools outside of their immediate neighborhoods. By providing transportation to students who need it, we can help to ensure that all children have access to quality education.
5. Support community organizations that work to promote integration. There are many community organizations that work to promote integration and diversity in schools. By supporting these organizations, we can help to amplify their voices and make a difference in the fight against segregation.
6. Challenge the school-to-prison pipeline. The school-to-prison pipeline is a system of policies and practices that pushes students out of school and into the criminal justice system. This system disproportionately affects students of color and can contribute to segregation in schools. By challenging the school-to-prison pipeline, we can help to keep more students in school and reduce the likelihood that they will be involved in the criminal justice system.
Segregation in public schools is a complex problem, but it is one that can be solved. By working together, we can create more inclusive communities and schools where all children have the opportunity to succeed.