I think you're right, Alia.
That one poster (now banned) did post a link to a "study" that measured the IQs of "black" and "biracial" children adopted into "white middle-class families", but I find it hard to believe the results of that study. Also, I didn't read it completely nor investigate it further.
Also, that banned poster claimed to have homeschooled his/her daughter. I would think that a homeschooler especially would be able to see very clearly how upbringing influences a child every single day. But, no, apparently, he/she believes that certain "races" don't have a chance and are somehow inherently inferior. (Sadly, he/she is not alone out there in that thinking, either). Oh, well. (This is why we have to stop those gov't studies from classifying according to quote-unquote "race"!)
How is it this country has seen poorly (or if at all) educated parents raise geniuses and very gifted children, regardless or race, creed, ethnicity? My own two cents: It has everything to do with where education is prioritized in a family.
A homeschooling mom I know is a perfect example: Divorced, she is still fighting the ex off in court as he has been consistently late with child support payments but also has been fighting to take custody and put the kids in school for years. She has been buying her homeschool supplies at the Dollar Store (which works for me, too!)
A couple months ago, a judge ruled that she had to put the oldest in school. The father had been belittling her for years saying she was not qualified to teach her children, and then the school principal told her that "homeschooling doesn't work" and that "this school has an advanced program but a homeschooler would never qualify" blah blah blah. Guess what? The child tested and qualified for the advanced program.* (Oh, yeah, this child is "biracial" too).
So, yeah, I think you hit the nail right on its head again: Priority must have everything to do with it.
* (I have to remember to share that story on the FR homeschool thread).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12059-2003Sep1.html
Genes' Sway Over IQ May Vary With Class Study: Poor More Affected by Environment
By Rick Weiss Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, September 2, 2003; Page A01
--->snip Back-to-school pop quiz: Why do poor children, and especially black poor children, score lower on average than their middle-class and white counterparts on IQ tests and other measures of cognitive performance?
It is an old and politically sensitive question, and one that has long fueled claims of racism. As highlighted in the controversial 1994 book "The Bell Curve," studies have repeatedly found that people's genes -- and not their environment -- explain most of the differences in IQ among individuals. That has led a few scholars to advance the hotly disputed notion that minorities' lower scores are evidence of genetic inferiority.
Now a groundbreaking study of the interaction among genes, environment and IQ finds that the influence of genes on intelligence is dependent on class.
Genes do explain the vast majority of IQ differences among children in wealthier families, the new work shows. But environmental factors -- not genetic deficits -- explain IQ differences among poor minorities.
end snip
----begin snip
"This paper shows how relevant social class is" to children's ability to reach their genetic potential, said Sandra Scarr, a professor emerita of psychology now living in Hawaii, who did seminal work in behavioral genetics at the University of Virginia.
end snip -- end quoting
Now..Let's discuss WHAT IS CLASS? A great many people define "class" (not pub ed) as socioeconomic status. A new car each year is NOT going to "encourage" a child's education or IQ. Having beaucoup bucks to shop without limit at the mall is also not especially going to encourage "IQ" (unless the shopper plans on going into those particular fields: fashion, retail...). Homeschooling is excellent for exactly these reasons and provided goals are clearly laid out by the parent(s). If the family goal is "looking good" -- this is not going to encourage IQ or knowledge (except about great sales and superb lines of clothing, and the whole "strutting" thing.) However, I don't think the IQ tests -- test for these.
I'll wager the banned "poster" was thinking of the "Bell Curve". Think for a second on this with me, in re "race" which is a purely political construct as it certainly can't be proved definitively by science -- how is it I've met some of the sharpest (but not educated) people who know HOW to get ahead; whereas some with PHd's and the like can't figure out how to program a DVD? In my own view, homeschoolers tend to do better and because they are routinely exposed to "liberal" issues, but also get the more traditional issues and topics covered. Ergo, these students are getting what used to be known as a Classic Liberal Arts Education -- something which is still called by this title; but not taught in pub ed. Pub ed usually covers the "liberal" aspects, and the vagaries and differing nuances BUT within that aspect, only.
I've witnessed a number of times, personally, pretty much the same story you've shared about your homeschooling mother friend. I'm glad to know the eldest is doing SO well! However, divorce is death, in a manner of speaking -- to most families; but having a judge come in and to order you about with regard to how you SHALL raise your child, educationally, is exceptionally nasty; and wrong.
Yes, it is about a family's priorities -- no matter their income or status. Even a poor family can seek knowledge -- unlimited knowledge -- internet, library, just call a governmental entity and they SEND VAST AMOUNTS OF DATA - Dittos colleges. There's no sound reason for being poorly educated in America, if one's priorities on the importance of educating one's children is clear. And foremost.
And as every homeschooling parent I know over so many years has said: The parent, regardless, of education, of socioeconomic status has to want to learn too. I know homeschooling parents who could have double majors and masters if there were such a test to take; given how much they've learned, in order to teach their own children.