Schools' Role in the Provision of Support Services for Children and Families: A Critical Aspect of Program Equity

Abstract

Attempts to redefine equal educational opportunities not only in terms of spending, but also in terms of student performance, are important, but if all students are to achieve a certain level of academic achievement, we must broaden our understanding of how children learn and what influences their capacity to learn and ensure that financial resources are provided for child and family-support services that begin at birth. This article reviews the research that forms the basis for this recommendation and describes the School of the 21st Century as an approach to optimize the growth and development of children and their ability to profit from academic instruction.