So far, DAG hasn't officially gotten into trying to solve the school "issue", maybe thank goodness!!!

And BGAndersen---I don't know if you can see it on your screen---but someone has posted a strange Kerry-Edwards thing onto your posts signature?

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SPM

I'm a school teacher that works at a public school in West Kensington. Most of the kids are more than willing to learn. There are other issues involved and new schools would definitely help. I teach at a school in a building that's over 100 years old that was designed to hold half the number of students that we manage to somehow jam into it.

It isn't necessarily the african american family structure by the way. I have taught black, white, asian, and hispanic students that had familial problems. The common demonitor there isn't race, but poverty & level of education in the family.

Althogh this has flown far from DAG,
I'll agree that the common denominator is income (along with parental interest, which isn't always just related to income)...but I will say one thing:

Whites who have choice won't send their kids to schools that are predominantly black or ethnic minority...just doesn't happen---anywhere in the US of course there are exceptions, but take a look at demogrpahic stats in every metro area, and it's clear as day.

I think that'e the reason we'll never see truly equitable education in the USA, although we'll attempt to pump more and more $$$$ into it every year, forevermore, and we'll keep the minority kids in the worst school systems. A relatively few will break out, but not many. Sad story, but I think there are few obvious reasons why that is and will remain the case.

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SPM

It is likely that there will be an agenda item on the July 7th DAG meeting that pertains to S. Philly developments along S. Broad St. (cars, pedestrians, and how to balance).

I'm planning to attend the meeting if I am able, as an observer, to learn more about the process to advocate a design issue effectively.

By the way, DAG now has a website:

www.designadvocacy.org

In a general sense, how does this differ from the many community
civic groups, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the City Council that
has ultimate legislative control?


Joel



http://www.designadvocacy.org/index.asp

Welcome to the Design Advocacy Group

As a voluntary coalition of concerned citizens, DAG relies on digital communication tools to inform and communicate among its members. This website was developed to further enhance that capacity. We wish to thank the William Penn Foundation without whom this new online forum would not be possible.

FEATURED PROJECT:

DAG recommends an urbanistically responsible process for the selection of gaming sites in the City of Philadelphia (caption to photograph).

UPCOMING EVENTS:

DAG meetings are held at 8 AM on the first Thursday of each month, at Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street. The room assignment is posted at the main lobby information desk.

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They're generally better informed ... :roll:

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Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. - Robert Orben