It would be easy to get the wrong message from looking at the Dalzell public grade school.
Because of its small property base, Dalzell, 100 miles southwest of Chicago, has less money to spend per pupil on education than any other school district in the state-$2,253 compared to the state average of $4,808.
But the Dalzell youngsters score better than Illinois state averages on 26 out of 27 standardized measures.
That doesn`t mean money isn`t important in educating children. It is. Dalzell youngsters have to do without much of the science equipment, up-to-date computer technology, art, instrumental music and other enrichments commonly found in better-financed schools. Two grades share each classroom. Teachers` pay is low.
But what Dalzell is able to give its children is what makes a critical difference in their educational success. The town of 700 people is a closely knit, supportive community. There is almost no crime. Families are generally stable and strong.
The teachers all have close family and community ties and are able and willing to accept the low pay in exchange for the satisfactions of teaching. And because there is no money for anything else, the school concentrates on basic education.
It would take only a rejiggering of the state`s school aid formula to pump more money into the Dalzell school. But money won`t buy what so many other Illinois children lack these days: stable and caring families, a safe environment and a supportive community. Dalzell`s successes are a reminder that improving educational achievement isn`t solely the responsibility of the schools.
