The school system seems to have become the scapegoat for lack of parental involvement. I think it's partially due to folks not even making sure their kids get to school let alone are adequately prepared. I think it could have to do with the multi-generational result of parents not having a proper education themselves and not realizing or attempting to instill in their offspring the importance of getting one. Another factor is that bussing kids in years prior to opposite corners of the city inadvertently discouraged and in some cases made it nearly impossible (for parents who were already involved) to remain an active participant in their child's education. Throw income into the mix and we're talking about families that may be one-car families if they own one at all, which kind of makes picking little Johnny up at band practice, across town, during rush hour, and making it before midnight, impossible. Sort of stacks the cards against them if you ask me. Poor is poor, no matter what part of town you're bussed to. One thing I really found puzzling in the recently published report was that the English as a second language kids perform and graduate at higher rates than English as a first language; doesn't seem to be the cultural/language barrier issue it's been perceived to be. JHarmon Cleveland
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