Do you think "we" are holding these kids back?

It isn't us, it is THEM. Go to any DISD school, and you will see some really great Mexican kids working their tails off to get into college and get the American Dream.

You will see sitting right next to them a pregnant 15 yr old, a kid high on something, and a kid who--despite having been here since he was 4, still barely speaking English.

They all start off the same. The difference? Their parents.

The ones whose parents take an interest and push the kids, they succeed. The ones who don't, well, they serve you the glass of water at the restaurants when they are 30 years old.

There are too many chances for these kids to succeed.

Scholarships, tutoring, and other things at schools all around Dallas. I sincerely ask you to attend the open houses coming up soon and see how many parents show up in the high schools. Then come back for the PTA's and the report card night. Do a statistical average.

[Ed Note: This is all fine and good, and I feel your frustration. However, predetermining a child's success based on his or her nationality is a terrible disservice. It would be a shame to find out, 10 years from now, that our "bilingual" education program is nothing more than a babysitting program for Hispanic immigrants' kids.]