Hi Matt.
You were writing to Charles B.
MS>    Student attitude is a major variable, but one beyond the control of 
he
  >schools and teachers...and thus beyond the control of school reform.  No
  >amount of increased per-pupil spending will improve it, and by definition
  >it is beyond the control of the teacher.
Now, I think I have missed some of this thread so apologize if in doing
so my answers are not appropriate.
As to the above statement...Sorry, I disagree. Although, student
attitude towards school can be a result of upbringing etc. there is a
certain amount that is developed by the school. Surely you can remember
one teacher, or school that you had/have been to that had an effect on
you be it negative or positive? It certainly had an effect on me -
specifically to do with certain school subjects.
As for increased per-pupil spending, I would think that all would depend
on where the money was spent. More manipulatives and resources could
help a lot - as well as a lower pupil teacher ratio.
MS>    True, but the increasing percentage of public school students who are
  >minority kids from poor families causes a larger-than-otherwise drop in
  >average test scores.
I would agree with that for some schools or even some school districts.
We have that problem to a large extent here - Lots of immigrants and low
income families who either have little English or no interest in helping
their children learn or behave.
  Deleted rest of message as missed the thread and haven't read the
book. ;)
        Thanks for letting me butt in,
                                ...Ruth....
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