Why does Eugene Field, which has around 270 students, have some of the best test scores in the area?
The poverty level of the students attending Eugene Field is 28%, well below the level of the other schools in Rock Island. Research and historical data strongly state that students raised in poverty situations face more challenges in school, and often struggle without strong supports in place. As the poverty levels exceed 50% in any one school, these challenges become even more paramount. Rock Island’s poverty level, as determined by the federal free/reduced lunch program, is currently 63% and growing. The students of poverty who may attend Eugene Field are exposed to the larger percentage of non poverty students and families who are able to share more varied life experiences. This exposure helps them to become more successful students.
