At a Glance Teachers in urban high schools begin classes each day against tremendous odds. Classes are large, parent involvement is scarce, and student skill levels vary.
Attendance is sporadic, and resources are limited.
At the end of the day, teaching suffers. Ninety percent of urban districts have an immediate need for minority teachers. Sixty-eight percent of all districts have openings for math and science teachers, and almost half of all new teachers leave the classroom within the first five years. It comes as no surprise that in the midst of a national teacher shortage, urban districts are the hardest hit. Inner-city working conditions are hard, leading some good teachers to opt for better conditions in suburban schools.