[christianhomeschoolmommaof3]

As long as the government provides a “free” education there are some parents that won’t care if their child is educated. The parent doesn’t have anything invested so they don’t push their students to learn. If it cost the parent something, they will make sure that their child is getting the most out of it.

[MissEdie]

AMEN! This is why I am supporting Andre Bauer for Governor of SC. He gets it. What people who like to attack him don't seem to get is the connection between parents who do not reinforce education and children who cannot/will not do well in school.
My local district has a Public Primary school (grades 2 & 3) where over 85% of the kids receive free or reduced lunch, over 70% of the school is black. Out of the incoming 2nd grade class, 84% can not read on grade level.