Replies to post #14957 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[extelecom]

Goodluck, "But if you just ask yourself, if two kids of parents from opposite ends of the social spectrum are switched in the hospital, would they have had the same life, become the same person?"
Exactly... Maybe the parents are what is making the difference and not necessarily Genetics...

[sarals]

Good question. And although I think environment has a tremondous influence, I also know from experience that genetics can have a big impact, particularly when it comes to specific learning disabilities that run in families.

Also, what's our definition of success?

[sarai]

So here's the question, and I think it addresses both your's and Jeff's point.....

How come poor, urban districts such as Newark, Asbury and Jersey City, who receive an enormous amount of federal funds do not achieve certain minimal, basic standards when "pretty, white" middle to upper middle class districts achieve proficient or advanced proficient standards with about half as much money per student??...

Maybe it is a combination of affluence and parenting -- money and environment.... My little one is only 6 years old and I am compulsive about providing what I consider the "best" situation to meet his needs. If we were economically stuck in some district like Newark or Asbury, I'd be devastated and I know, despite their wealth of funding and special services resources, his education would suffer. And what I now consider his "quirkiness" might become a life long "challenge"....

Yet I do believe most parents, at least initially, want the best for their children but the demands of raising children in an educational system with inherent problems can become overwhelming. The economic reality is that, in many instances, 2 parents have to work to survive and do not have the benefit of extended families or other "support systems". So what is the solution if every child is entitled to a "free" and "appropriate" public education?... I think this question is rhetorical??..