Urban schools are at the bottom of the ladder when comparing student achievement with other schools. Students in urban schools just are not getting the type of education that is needed. They are being beaten by students in rural, private, and suburban schools. “The average state standardized test scores were five points lower in urban schools than that of other schools” (Lippman 28). T

Having qualified teachers is a huge and positive step in fixing the quality of education an urban school gives to a student. No one seriously questions the proposition that well-prepared and skillful teachers are more desirable than poorly prepared and less skilled ones. “The majority of big-city science and mathematic teachers lack training in their subjects” (Hill 50). How uncomfortable that statement must be for the parents who have to send their children to urban schools knowing in advance that their child is already at a disadvantage because they attend a certain school. Perhaps parents would rest easier if this problem could be eliminated, but the main question is how to achieve this.

In fact the problem of low test scores goes deeper than that. Urban schools also have a lower graduation rate than those of rural and suburban schools. “Only 73 percent of students in urban schools graduate compared to 80 percent of students in other schools” (Lippman 32). This in turn results in an economic disadvantage when these students attempt to compete in the “real world”. Society has progressed to the extent that most people must have a high school diploma to even be considered for most positions. Even McDonald’s, one of the lowest paying and least rewarding jobs, requires a high school diploma to be considered for employment in any area of work.

e solution will be reached soon so that students who have no choice but to attend urban schools will have equal opportunity with students in other schools in achieving a well-rounded education.

Certified teachers are important in obtaining this goal of better schools. These teachers are more qualified than those who simply walk in the door every day for work. For instance, in the state of Missouri several requireme

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