Last year, 3,000 young children in New Jersey were found to have elevated lead levels  for the first time. The grand total since 2000 is about 225,000 kids under six years old - those most vulnerable to the ravages of lead poisoning.    Lead exposure can adversely affect behavior, IQ levels and academic performance.  At the same time, lead poisoning is rarely considered a factor in education disparities as society grapples to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban children.   

Panelists will explore the impact of lead exposure on a child’s developing brain, including lead’s relationship to behavior problems and test scores.  Can schools, families and communities mitigate these impacts? Important policies and approaches that cut across multiple sectors such as health, education, social services and housing will be considered.

This conference is organized by the Education Research Section (ERS) and the Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHW) of the Woodrow Wilson School (WWS) and by ISLES, Inc.

This event is free, but requires registration.