Re: [AAACE-NLA] Who's Accountable? Drop in HS/GEDs in AELS

[AWilder106@aol.com]

Dear Marsha,

Nice to hear from you again.

In my view, the responsiblity for the educational situation in your town lies 
with those who have the power to change a bad situation and choose not to.   
As to whether the book was meant as an expose--will it exposed, but in a way 
that opens up many avenues for change.   It is very much a teacher's story, 
showing compassion for those who loose, and a passonate sincerity for those who 
can be helped.   Johnston also was patient enough and stayed around long enough 
to be able to see through the most obvious defenses that against=the-wall 
students throw up against the pain of failure.

The main issue is poverty, set I should   imagine within a regional social 
and economic system where these pockets of problems are not viewed as important, 
are kicked to the side.

I have an academic friend who writes about native Appalachian families, 
Appalachian families with roots outside who live there and absentee ownership.   
His point:   knowing about the economic development of a region explains much of 
what we see and don't understand.   I think your situation may be the 
same,and by your references I am probably preaching to the choir.   I would be very 
interested in any books you might suggest which could tell my more about your 
region, that you think would be valuable for a person to read to understand 
where   you live--novels included.

Andrea
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