It (almost) goes without saying that the choices of poorly educated children have a profound influence on the achievement gap. But do the choices of well-educated parents play any role in the achievement gap? Yes, they do.
In a recent podcast interview with Ruth Lopez Turley, Associate Professor of Sociology at Rice University, the Veritas Riff explored exactly that question. The seven minute interview is worthwhile and helpful. In addition, here are some important dynamics not covered in the interview.
- Prizing academic achievement above community flourishing is passed from parents to children. Children learn from the lived decisions of their parents what is most important to them.
- Parent networks really matter in diverse schools. My eldest daughter has attended two very racially and economically diverse schools. And I can say unequivocally that parent involvement (by educated, creative, entrepreneurial parents) created the tipping point in both schools toward a thriving learning environment for all.
- Cultural competence is learned by practice. Children (like mine) in diverse schools learn cultural competence by doing it on a daily basis. In addition to Caucasian, Latino and African American children, my daughter’s classmates from China, Mexico, Togo, Thailand, and Bolivia. Can it make some learning dynamics more challenging? Sure. Do the benefits outweigh the challenges? Without question.
- Schools are not the biggest factor in education. The choice of educated parents to invest in diverse skill has a profound impact on those schools. However, it must be noted that classroom education is only one dimension of education. The total learning environment of children matters immensely – the impact of home life and community cannot be overstated.
- Early home life matters most. Here’s the rub. If you have diverse schools – in which some children have had a language-rich, supportive home environment, whereas others have had a hostile or neglectful home environment, the achievement gap already exists the day they walk into preschool. All of the children will receive the benefits I’ve listed above, and those Dr. Turley highlights in her interview. But some will have greater capacity to receive – and therefore the gap will persist – as it has at my daughter’ schools. The inter-racial, inter-cultural intermingling must happen long before school begins.
