Condoleezza Rice: 'It's criminal when I can look at your ZIP code and tell what kind of education you're going to get'

[one...two...tree 2,762]

It's an audio file from an interview about her new book, "Extraordinary, Ordinary People."

from another interview:

"What do you think you can do about improving the quality of the early care and education system in the United States, especially as it relates to young African-American children in the inner cities?"

CR: I think all of us have really got to redouble our efforts, first of all, to pay attention to the K-12 crisis. The sad fact is that I can look at your zip code and tell whether you're going to get a good education. That's not fair. And secondly, I hope that all of us who were fortunate enough to have benefited will put our time, our resources and our efforts into making sure that kids, particularly kids without means, have a way to achieve.

[Danno 1,228]

Ironically, we can also use the zip code to determine how much is being spent on your public education.

For instance we know that in many low income areas 2x the amount of money is being spent per kid.

Lets check the zip codes of our nations capital, a school system which has the highest per student spending. We will find not only are we spending train loads of money but..... a huge percentage won't even bother to graduate from high school.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Ironically, we can also use the zip code to determine how much is being spent on your public education.

For instance we know that in many low income areas 2x the amount of money is being spent per kid.

Lets check the zip codes of our nations capital, a school system which has the highest per student spending. We will find not only are we spending train loads of money but..... a huge percentage won't even bother to graduate from high school.

Danno, the issue isn't money. The U.S. is in the top 3 in spending per child. The problem is, that if you aren't spending that money intelligently, it's a moot point. Many inner city school districts spend more money per student because they have to. You have to pay teachers and staff more to get them to work at a school in highly impoverished areas. I can't speak about anywhere other than L.A., but here, the schools spent a lot of money several years ago bringing their facilities and teaching materials up to current standards. Many of the schools here in poor neighborhoods were build in the 60's and 70's and haven't been updated or even upgraded since.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Take out the teacher's unions and you'll solve half the problem!

Then prioritize educating parents in lower income neighborhoods about what they can do to ensure their child is getting a proper education. A lot of these kids don't stand a chance due to what's going on at home. As per usual, that's where it all starts.

[The_Dude 1,142]

A lot of these kids don't stand a chance because of what is beyond their home. Taking out the teacher's union is a great idea. Then you can have state and local school boards dictating what science fiction nonsense to teach instead of science.

[Danno 1,228]

Danno, the issue isn't money. The U.S. is in the top 3 in spending per child. The problem is, that if you aren't spending that money intelligently, it's a moot point. Many inner city school districts spend more money per student because they have to. You have to pay teachers and staff more to get them to work at a school in highly impoverished areas. I can't speak about anywhere other than L.A., but here, the schools spent a lot of money several years ago bringing their facilities and teaching materials up to current standards. Many of the schools here in poor neighborhoods were build in the 60's and 70's and haven't been updated or even upgraded since.

So the schools playing "catch-up" is the reason kids don't graduate... or show up to school?

Home schoolers don't even have "facilities".... and they perform very well.

[The_Dude 1,142]

So the schools playing "catch-up" is the reason kids don't graduate... or show up to school?

Home schoolers don't even have "facilities".... and they perform very well.

Sorry Danno, I thought I was quite clear. That is the reason for the spending.