Wealthy parents give higher grades to schools
Wealthier Americans feel better about their schools than those with low incomes, according to a new poll.
Fifty-seven percent of Americans with an annual household income over $100,000 gave their local schools an “A” or “B”, a Phi Delta Kappa International survey found. By comparison, 42 percent of parents with annual household incomes less than $50,000 gave a similar grade.
Georgia public schools in wealthier areas typically perform better academically.
The poll is based on a 50-state sample of 1,221 adults interviewed by cell or landline telephone — in English or Spanish — in April and May. It’s conducted by Langer Research Associates of New York. PDK has conducted an annual survey since 1969 measuring the American public’s thoughts about education.
The PDK poll found Americans are split about whether charter schools should be allowed to set their own standards. It also found few Americans believe that closing failing schools is the best way to improve education.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
