While these issues may originate outside of the school environment, schools that fail to focus on child development are ill-equipped to deal with the consequences. None of these crises can be eliminated with a quick fix, Comer explained, which is why they still exist today. If more educators would focus on child development, they could generate appropriate community, family, and school policies. Teacher preparation and the organization of school systems would also improve. This perspective considers the child's socioeconomic status as well as his or her individual strengths and weaknesses.
Every child is seen as equally capable when given equal resources and opportunities.
Such an education prepares young people to actively participate in our democratic society. EMU currently works with 35 schools to implement the Comer Schools model. Alison Harmon of the Department of Leadership and Counseling, directs these efforts with the capable assistance of Mary Anne Homann. Comer's keynote address was followed by several concurrent sessions. Most sessions were repeated in the morning and afternoon, giving participants an opportunity to attend several throughout the day.