Institute to focus on black students

DETROIT, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Wayne State University in Detroit has started an institute aimed at closing the academic achievement gap between black and white children.

Janice Hale, a Wayne State professor in early childhood education, told The Detroit Free Press the Institute for the Study of African-American Children, is to be financed with corporate and foundation money. Fundraising is underway for the program.

She plans to combine research with practical assistance to children and families in the Detroit area.

"This is not going to be an ivory-tower situation," Hale said. "We need the whole community in this."

Hale said many researchers who would like to focus on the problems of black children end up in other areas because financial support is not available. She also wants the staff to include tutors and parent advocates.