Why is it that Asian students at *these very same schools* deemed "failing" still seem to fill the honors classes, become National Merit semi-finalists, etc. as well as score far higher on state assessments? It can't be the school. Why is this an argument for vouchers, when some students *are* able to do well in these schools?
But even if it was within one school, the problem can be one of racist/low-expectations. Holding the black students to high standards - regardless of how integrated the school is - regardless of how other students do - is the best way to get good results. Not everyone will succeed - but far fewer will fail! But not having high expectations is a recipie for failure. In fact, Walter Williams reports on the VERY HIGH SUCCESS by a private school that requires hard work and holds the students accountable to very high expectations.
My wife's "baby brother" was in a school with low requirements, little parental involvement, and lots of touchy-feely curriculum, and the school essentially let the students work at what ever pace they wanted, and the school was great on "self-esteem" - regardless of effort put in. Of course, those parents that were REALLY involved, pushed, and their children typically succeeded, regardless. But uninvolved parents (and the school "encouraged" no involvment and discouraged "involved" parents..) might not know what was happening. My wife's parents found out early that the child would do the minimum - and if little was expected, even less would be done. They yanked him out of the public school and put him into the local Catholic school - where he was pushed to do more.
The ultimate question is why not make the system more "pro-choice" so parents might be better enabled to help their children succeed!.
Mike