An article in the Economist states, "Education spending in America has increased to $9,000 per student today, versus $4,300 in 1971 (adjusted for inflation), yet math and reading scores in the country have both flatlined."
It interesting to cite this fact then point to the Harlem Children's Zone charter school as an example of a school that works. HCZ charter school spends far more per student than any traditional public school. There are two certified teachers in most classrooms. Class sizes are very small and students have access to an incredible network of social services through HCZ. If you are trying to make the point that money will not solve the problem's in education, this charter school actually proves the opposite.
Before you can educate poor urban youth, you need to address basic needs. Do they have food, clean clothes, health care and a safe home? School and learning doesn't happen until those basic needs are addressed. Geoffrey Canada recognizes this and provides those services to the children living in the HCZ. Its a great model, but who is going to pay for it? Goldman Sachs doesn't fund everyone's school.
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