The system needs work, but it starts with the parents. I do not believe it has nothing to do with race or economic class on whether a child is going to do well. I know of at least 20 people who went to Clarence High who dropped out, and either didn’t get their GED or had to go to ALP to get it. All their parents were well off. The problem lies is their parents do not care.
If I brought home anything under a B I was in big trouble. My parents did not tolerate any bullshit. A and B’s or else. Many parents are not involved at all. I make sure my daughter (who is 6) read, practice sight words, and teach her things that she will be learning next year in 1st grade. I see some parents who could careless if their kid is practicing words and doing homework. I think many parents today are lacking in establishing the importance of a good education to a child.