Summary: During the 1980s, an increasing number of America's school-age children was poor, more racially and ethnically diverse, and at risk for school failure. These problems were not limited to the largest cities or a few states or geographic areas. The growing number of poor and at-risk children means that many schools will have to address the needs of children who change schools frequently; are potentially low achievers; and have other difficulties, such as health and nutrition problems. Addressing the needs of children from a multitude of language and cultural backgrounds also poses a growing educational challenge for school districts. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act--the federal government's main vehicle for addressing the needs of poor and at-risk children--will also face increasing demands as the number of these children increases. Ignoring these demands now may cause greater problems later as needy children potentially face a future of joblessness and lower incomes. Addressing these demands during a period of budgetary constraints will be difficult, however, and will challenge lawmakers and school officials to make every dollar count.
