Disadvantaged Students
Re “Philadelphia Wary of School Takeover,” Nov. 19: It comes as no surprise that students in Philadelphia’s public schools perform about the same as LAUSD students. In both districts, too many poor and minority students come to class with huge deficits in motivation, socialization and development. Because standardized tests are largely impervious to instruction, they disproportionately measure socioeconomic status and inherited ability. This puts these students at a distinct disadvantage.
Turning over Philadelphia’s schools to private managers will make little difference; witness the results in Hartford and Baltimore.
Walt Gardner
Los Angeles
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