text: I just recently changed careers so I am not in education any longer.  However, I do have some insight into your question.  I think the biggest problem is the lack of equity in how money is given out to schools in a given district.  The U.S. Department of Education gives out money based on a formula and the state divvies it out.  \n\nIronically, schools in districts where the poorer kids live have broken down schools with out dated books, doors coming off the hinges, leaky roofs and other conditions that can inhibit a student’s ability to learn.  Then you look at schools in more affluent neighborhoods, and they have schools that look like a castle and have better equipment and supplies.  \n\nWho makes the decisions about what schools get treated better?  Somehow, it makes it hard for a principal to help teachers and students when he isn’t getting a fair share of the pie.  Students in poor districts deserve to learn just as much as the kids in the rich neighborhoods.  But why is there such a difference in the quality of their schools and accompanying supplies?    Until that question is honestly answered, we will forever have a big learning problem in American Education. \n\nThis is what I think based on what I have observed.