[garandgal]

Frances Arena, manager of curriculum and professional development of the Worcester Public Schools, told me this week that Shakur's book will remain on the list for the foreseeable future because it "heightens awareness of character education" and, more importantly, because it's "popular with the kids."

Who is this person? What are her educational credentials...and most importantly...how did such a blatant idiot end up in this position?? Perfect example of the need to totally reform our schools from the bottom up; not tinker around the edges.

Oh, and since when did "being popular with the kids" count for anything? Maybe they should go with "Rap Appreciation" or "History of the NBA" for 7 hours a day. Good grief!

[alloysteel]

One is led to suspect that Muslim children get a better education in the typical madrassah school than is provided to some of our inner-city students. There is certainly no more indoctrination going on.

More dumbing-down of kids who already are living in a Third-World environment.