Poverty and Education

 
This Wednesday, Poudre Schools Superintendent and Rotarian Dr. Sandra Smyser will discuss how poverty affects our ability to educate future generations.  Dr. Smyser will be introduced by retired PSD Superintendent Don Unger.  Read More...
 
In 2000, about 10 percent of Colorado children were estimated to be living in poverty.  But by 2014, that number was 15.4 percent, down from a recession high of over 18 percent.  This Wednesday, Poudre Schools Superintendent and Rotarian Dr. Sandra Smyser will discuss how poverty affects our ability to educate future generations.  Dr. Smyser will be introduced by retired PSD Superintendent Don Unger. 
Dr. Smyser’s presentation will focus on the effects of poverty, including the following questions. 
  • What does poverty look like in PSD?
  • What are some of the challenges that students in PSD face?
  • How do students facing these challenges make it to graduation and on to further study and employment?
  • What supports are needed all along the way during their years in PSD?
  • What can community organizations like Rotary and other governmental organizations do to help?
  • How can we break the cycle of poverty and send graduates into a brighter future?
  • What is PSD working on to improve the outcomes of students?
 
Dr. Smyser earned her B.S. in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, before earning an M.A. in Education and Spanish from the University of South Carolina and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of California, Riverside.  She came to PSD from Eagle County School District where she worked to implement new Colorado Academic Standards and close the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students.  She is known as a national leader in teacher development and evaluation, a strong financial leader, and has built partnerships with community groups to provide strategic student support.  Prior to Eagle County, Smyser served as Interim Superintendent for Steamboat Springs, Superintendent of Las Virgenes Unified School District (CA), Superintendent of Carpinteria Unified School District (CA), and Superintendent of Solvang Elementary School District (CA).  Sandra and husband Dave (an attorney and former Mayor of Solvang), have two sons and one daughter.