I'm concerned about emphasis on anti-oppression education. A lot of people believe Minneapolis already expends too much time and resources on these sorts of programs. Many of them are voting with their feet, either open-enrolling, moving to the suburbs, or opting for private schools. These programs run the risk of preaching to the choir - oppressors probably don't choose to live in the city. Some of the research indicates that one of the very best things we can do for kids in poverty and kids facing social issues is make sure their school environment is mixed, so they have high-achieving peers and friends from different income levels. Do you have any ideas to keep upper- and middle-class kids in MPS? Do you view this as a relevant issue? I think you raise important issues, but I also want my kids to be challenged academically. If MPS is consumed with social issues and under-performing kids, there will be few resources for average and especially gifted kids. Some people think that's already the case. This has the potential to drive more of these kids out of MPS. I think it is vitally important to keep these kids challenged and emphasize academics so they are not at a disadvantage compared to school alternatives. Whether you believe the perception or not, a tremendous number of parents move to the suburbs for the schools. When we lose these kids and their parents, the schools become a little more segregated and a little more impoverished. It's a problem that must be addressed. What do other list members think?
Neal Blanchett Lynnhurst _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
