Kozol Introduction

After reading Kozol's introduction in "The Shame of the Nation" as well as watching the video in class. I was shocked to see the way classrooms are conducted in these poverty stricken areas. It made me reevaluate the educational system in the US. I had a very positive educational experience, I took whatever AP's I wanted, going to college was never an option, I knew I was going. I was always told I could do it even if I felt otherwise. These kids think dropping out of school at 16 with a GED is considered an accomplishment, they don't think they can do better and teachers do nothing to support them. Because these kids are so poor, the educational system makes it so they stay that way. They don't push them to do better. I wanted to research an article to find out what the state is doing to try and make this situation better. I found this link: http://www.cbpp.org/11-7-02sfp.htm I am curious to know if these programs are working and where they are working. Even if these programs to help poor states with their education are in session, it is impossible to reach all schools with these problems. Money also does not equal motivation. Just because these schools are getting funding does not mean they are influencing students to do better. I am curious to know if the number of high school graduates and the number of students who attend college has increased since this funding was given. It is extremely sad that poor students grow up feeling inadequate about their education, they see school as something they have to get through the minimal amount of before they can drop out, rather than a stepping stone to the goals in life they should have.