A child with a disability or a child whose parents rarely read to him may need more time to learn.
More time means more money for more teachers.
Federal programs provide some extra funds for such students, but that has not been enough. This year, Alexandria School Board members say, they are giving top priority to finding a way to routinely give more funds to schools that have more children needing extra help. Few school districts with Alexandria's broad range of family incomes have taken such a step. Even when more money is allotted to schools with more disadvantaged children, there is no guarantee that will improve achievement. But many board members say they are determined to try.