Schooling after the second grade plays only a minor role in creating or reducing gaps.

The cognitive skills prized by the American educational establishment and measured by achievement tests are only part of what is required for success in life. Character skills are equally important determinants of wages, education, health and many other significant aspects of flourishing lives.

We've been trying to eliminate minor gaps... and to line up the resources for our biggest challenges in Akron and Cleveland.

Some kids win the lottery at birth; far too many don't - and most people have a hard time catching up over the rest of their lives. Children raised in disadvantaged environments are not only much less likely to succeed in school or in society, but they are also much less likely to be healthy adults.

Early investment in the lives of disadvantaged children will help reduce inequality, in both the short and the long run.

Self-control, openness, the ability to engage with others, to plan and to persist - these are the attributes that get people in the door and on the job, and lead to productive lives.