To begin, this book is a little controversial; specifically for educators who truly believe that no child should be left behind. "Intellectual capital is the result of stimulation and support for exploration and achievement in the home, the neighborhood, and the schools. To think that this can be changed by mandate - operating only through schools - is preposterous." And it truly is. For those that believe that a student's culture and home life has no correlation with their intelligence; look again. Richard throws out some statements such as: money will not help bridge the achievement gap; curriculum will not help either; and, teachers are only effective if they are "good" and "effective."
He goes on to cite research that validates the premise that children are set up for academic failure from the moment they take their first breath of air. Only strenuous intervention in the primary years coupled with ongoing academic stimulation will yield fruitful academic results and improve IQ. If this does not take place before the 5th grade, then the chances of intellectualism is exacerbated. As a promising administrator, this is truly alarming information. How in the world does a school bridge the achievement gap?
Unfortunately, Richard doesn't provide a direct answer; if one actually exists. He does however, provide useful information that can be implemented by parents in an effort to promote the proliferation of intelligence. However, parents of low SES are probably not reading this book in the first hand; which are the ones who really need it.
In the end, "the social class gap is never going to be closed. This is true, if for no other reason, because the well-off are always going to find ways to get a better education for their children and are always going to find ways to be ahead in terms of parenting skills and are always going to be able to provide superior neighborhood environments."
If you get an opportunity; read it. If anything, it's good information for controversial rhetoric.
