The decision about which end of the continuum needs to be stressed depends on the historical moment. Our thinking about education needs to be more contextual. Especially we need to de-emphasize the romantic overemphasis on innate ability rather than effort. It's convenient to think that poor children are destined to be low achievers in school because of social forces and innate differences. Yet some schools manage to bring all children to grade level.
Effort is more important than ability in school.
By starting early enough, and working hard enough, all children can read, write, and calculate at grade level or above. Finally, he bid us to go out and do good, a fitting bequest of the audience and of the Center as it plots its next five years. Return to the Monthly Letter Anniversary Issue Table of Contents. Register to receive the Monthly Letter by mail, send us your comments, questions or compliments about this or any other issue of the Monthly Letter, or let us know what's happening in your community and state for coverage in future Monthly Letters.