Stephen was very responsive and said that, but then who has ever arrived anywhere to stay with a welcome experience of the best country in one of those filthy camps where people are struggling? including going into such schools as falling plaster-filled classrooms that are dark and dismal. Who will be excited to learn in such an environment? But imagine a school that pulses with vibrant life—a space saturated in natural light filled with oversized classrooms, full of modern technology at every desk, and students who visibly beam at the idea they get to learn here. The difference in night and day But she adds: “And that, it seems to me, is a broader issue in all of this and where they can do more. So today, I want to talk about why this matters and how the state of our school buildings impacts closing the attainment gap.

The Most Dangerous Climate: Bricks and Mortar

The space we live really defines themselves in ways that may not always be visible but surely feelable! Having buildings that are modern and cared for by their communities is a motivator that helps drive teachers to teach better students who are more likely to engage in new school settings. Why? Because they realize that when their environment tells them, it matters! Bright, clean classrooms and hallways filled with new equipment tell students, “We value you enough to spend money on you. “Your future is important.”

Crumbling Building = Crumbling Dream

Conversely, as students are forced to learn in crumbling buildings, the walls of their hopes and dreams crumble. In schools that are neglected, the attainment gap—for example, the difference in how children from different backgrounds perform academically—greatens. Not only are the students in these environments already fighting an uphill battle over a curriculum that is delivered through unsuitable spaces for learning, but they also have a lot of other challenges. Not only is this unjust, but it also should be illegal!

Invest in infrastructure; invest in our future.

It is not just a good idea to improve our school buildings, we must do it! An investment in our schools is an investment in our future. Today, a school is not only for learning but also a place to nurture success. from the latest technology to welcoming, collaborative environments that have been designed for student success.

Imagine the possibilities!

The possibilities are endless! Imagine a world in which every student, regardless of what trauma lurks behind their eyes when they walk into that school each day, felt inspired. What if the gap narrowed because we had started to provide each and every student with a space where they were set up for success? The possibilities are endless, and it begins with our school buildings.

The time to act is now!

We have waited too long. The longer we wait, the more likely it is that our students will never reach their amazing potential. This is a moment to act boldly and invest in the basic right of all students to learn, as well. Fix the buildings and, in so doing, fix the attainment gap for good!

Join the movement!

Educators, parents, mega-donors, and teachers unions alike must band together to demand more of the schools serving our students. We need to fight for the funding and the resources required to refurbish our schools. We can work through the challenges of creating such environments that shut down those gaps and provide all learners with opportunities.