A Lancaster high school recently started a homeroom mentoring program for underachieving African-American students, sparking claims of bias. The plan would divide students by race and gender and place them in homerooms with peer mentors who focus on academic achievement and looking ahead to careers. Temple's Erin Horvat, an associate professor of urban education, commended the district. "Isn't this what we hope teachers and school leaders will do? If this program helps students feel engaged and connected to what the school has to offer, it is likely a positive step in retaining them and improving achievement."