ABSTRACT
Challenges in urban communities, often related to poverty (Anyon, 1997), have persisted for decades. As the United States is facing one of the worst economic crises in recent memory, the mental and physical health needs of students are rising as they return to homes where parents are battling unprecedented economic challenges. Unemployment reached record levels in San Diego, 11% at its peak, in response to the national collapse of the housing market (Tintocalis, 2010). The current economic reality has increased the relevance of social and economic connections to learning. As the cost of meeting students’ needs rises for schools (Wong, 1992), school funding is being cut at record levels. In fiscal year 2009–2010, over $98 million was cut from San Diego Unified School District’s budget alone (Tintocalis, 2010). Cuts to public education funding often have a greater impact in center-city neighborhoods, like the Diamond Neighborhoods of southeastern San Diego, where state funding can be the primary source of revenue for public schools.
