Here is an interesting new article if you're interested in urban public school reform: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/10/05/can-100-million-change-newarks-schools
I'd like to know how the money is being used. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it will go to hire a bunch of administrators and buy a bunch of fancy computers. What I'd really like to see is training, support and education for family members, extended school days with homework, study support and test prep, as well as additional support and education of the teachers.
We discussed this in one of my education courses today. One of the students knows a teacher in Newark. Apparently there is a rather large discussion between the teachers/union and the administrators at the moment to decide what to do with the money.
"Can $100 million change Newark's Schools?" - I doubt it. If the clientele and their parent(s)/guardian(s) don't care about education, they don't care about education. You can't "MAKE" them suddenly care.
It's not an attitude, it's factual. If you've found the panacea for making students and parents care, by all means, share it!