JIM GRAHAM wrote: > Actually, Michael I can, if not equate, compare the two. I have raised three > sons one block from Franklin and two blocks from Chicago Avenue. During the > last twenty-five years I have probably provided the "father" figure for > several hundred other "innercity" children who were not fortunate enough to > have one in their own family. I ran a youth program for fifteen years with > karate, boxing, and a little soccer.
Interesting perspective, but it seems to be somewhat contrary to your previous post which seemed to emphasize the importance of family values. Your position is close to what I believe: that the schools can have an impact on kids even if they come from bad homes. You illustrate how young people can be diverted from the streets by positive youth programs. I have emphasized the importance of parent involvement programs and yours is certainly a good exemplar of how part of such a program might work. The problem is that the Minneapolis Public Schools have demphasized parent involvement and are concentrating on "small learning environments" (i.e., schools within schools). I wish them luck, but without significant parent involvement I don't think that these programs will have much impact on student achievement. Of course the MPS can always "cook the books" again to make it appear as though they've worked, just as they did with small class sizes. Michael Atherton Prospect Park _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
