Maybe dentists can boost FCAT scores, too

For many students, a decent teacher is all they need to make it. But for some, a dentist might be pretty important, too. Or an optometrist. Or a family counselor.

The summer edition of American Educator, the magazine published by the American Federation of Teachers, is devoted to partnerships between schools and other social service providers.

“Many communities already have health clinics, counseling services, food banks, shelters, adult literacy classes, GED programs, etc.,” the editors write. “But all too often, these services are not centrally located, so low-income families have to spend the whole day on buses criss-crossing the city just to meet a few of their needs. Clearly, bringing these services to the school makes more sense.”

One article cites a study that found students in “full service” schools in Chicago - schools which include on-site medical and dental care - scored 8 percentage points higher in math and reading than their non-full service peers.

How many of these schools do we have in Florida? Around Tampa Bay? Are they making a difference?

- Ron Matus, state education reporter