Educating All God’s Children: What Christians Can—and Should—Do to Improve Public Education for Low-Income Kids

Despite a strain of anti-intellectualism among extreme Christian conservatives, Christianity has historically been at the forefront in promoting both public and private educational systems. Baker Fulgham, who leads a faith-based education reform group, makes this point as she calls on Christians in this, her first book, to once again lead the way. While contributing valuable data on the “achievement gap” between low- and high-income schools, the systemic inequities that shape academic outcomes, and innovative grassroots models of church and public school partnerships, she excels at illustrating biblical principles and personal stories in a conversational tone sure to engage the reader. Her goal is clear: she’s on a mission to bring more people of faith into the fight to save the minds of America’s low-income children. Given the unpopularity of tax increases of any kind, however, it will be critical for Christians—especially the evangelicals whom Baker Fulgham particularly addresses—to use their “strong and powerful advocacy voice” for policies that will close educational gaps. Baker Fulgham is well-informed and stands on a firm historical foundation. (Apr.)