The benefits of diverse classroom settings are well established. How then to protect diversity in schools when the surrounding neighborhood is quickly becoming homogenous?
An article by Kyle Spencer examines the ideas behind a New York City Department of Education program "aimed at maintaining a racial and socio-economic balance at schools in fast-gentrifying neighborhoods."
"For the first time," reports Spencer, "the department is allowing a group of principals to set aside a percentage of seats for low-income families, English-language learners or students engaged with the child welfare system as a means of creating greater diversity within their schools."
The article includes a lot of anecdotal evidence from schools participating in the program around New York, along with mentions of the academic research behind the program. The ideas behind the program also recently gained traction at the national level, according to Spencer, when last week "President Obama put his support behind that research when he announced his budget would include a $120 million grant program for school integration initiatives that seek to deconcentrate poverty."
FULL STORY: New York Schools Wonder: How White Is Too White?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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