In Response to: Schoolhouses rock

A recent article in PAW describes how Princeton graduates are working to improve education through creating an optimal learning environment.

In addition to the learning environment, the overall circumstances of a child’s life impact the ability to learn. Extreme poverty, low expectations, homelessness, poor health, absent positive role models, and poor nutrition are but a few of the factors that can profoundly influence the success of educational efforts.

In Santa Fe, N.M., a community-based organization led by Bill Carson ’50 was formed to provide general support to students in two elementary schools. Volunteers serve as role models, mentors, and tutors. Books, atlases, and dictionaries are given to all children. An affiliation with a community health center has facilitated access to medical, dental, and preventive care. A program coordinator develops a variety of activities. Parents are encouraged to participate. An extraordinary outdoor athletic facility has been installed at one of the schools. Extensive vegetable gardens are tended by the students. The organization has raised money to support school nurses, physical education teachers, administrative support, and a librarian. A family center has been established to deal with the social and emotional problems of the children and their families.

The benefits of these efforts are apparent. Staff morale and the learning environment have improved. Parental involvement has increased. The health of the children has improved. Academic performance has improved. And graduates of these two schools seem to be doing better in middle school than graduates of other elementary schools.

This experience in Santa Fe demonstrates the importance of providing general as well as academic support as part of a comprehensive program to enable students to derive maximal benefit from their educational experience.    

Charles M. Smith ’59