As an African - American who grew up in inner-city Chicago, being educated in Chicago Public Schools. I can say without question that my mother's involvement and encouragement which prepared me for school were critical to my success as a student. We had predominately African - American teachers who deeply invested in the success of Black children. One of the factors to school success , (IMHO) is "high expectations". Parents should express high expectations, teachers should express high expectations and the students themselves should have high expectations, but that is mostly a function of the parents.WM: I think Gallmon may not have mentioned that class is a big factor in the equation as well. Those children least able to learn up to their potential are also those who come from dysfunction of one sort or another. Dysfunction becomes a larger part of the picture for those families who have no hope in the positive outcome from addressing dysfunction. Among the very poor the only shield against the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune is to say no to everything. These folks actively resist any more intrusion in their lives by "the county," the state, the justice system, a listening ear--any and everything. Resistance is all they have from which to construct an image of themselves. It becomes a badge of honor. Add pain self-medication by a variety of chemicals, including alcohol, and it's a lethal cocktail on the physical, economic, and spiritual planes. This is the formula for making outlaws.
WizardMarks, Central
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