Comments on: SMU Tackles Education Discrepancy

By: DemBones

DemBones — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:46:52 +0000

@Really? Thanks. Guess it depends on the definition of economically disadvantaged. I know students who are, at least by my definition. Definitely some who can’t afford sports and arts fees, some who live in barely habitable apartments, etc.

By: Really?

Really? — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:50:21 +0000

@ DemBOnes. According to the TEA’s most recent report (http://loving1.tea.state.tx.us/lonestar/Reports/Summary2010/District/AAG1-DIST-SchoolDist-PDF-en-us-057911.pdf), HPISD reports in its enrollment profile that it has no (as in zero) economically disadvantaged students, and has reported that figure since at least 2006.

By: peter griffin

peter griffin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:08:54 +0000

for pete’s sake, you’d think woodrow was a third world country. for about two thirds of the students, it might as well be. but for the kids whose parents care, there are programs equal or better than hp. if you dare to cross central (further east than central market) next spring attend the woodrow spring musical. it rates with the best in the area. the music director for the program is also an assistant football coach. their graduates attend the ivies, stanford, and double major at ut in plan 2 and government. and a couple have even won the heisman trophy.

By: DemBones

DemBones — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:13:39 +0000

“[A] low-income population does not exist at Highland Park.”

This is not true. Perhaps it is <1%, but it exists. HPISD also has donated funds to help with extracurricular and probably AP costs for those who need them.

Thanks for the link, Brad. Interesting that the two schools spend similar amounts per student. Mr. Barrows is one of HPHS's best; he says from experience that the difference in schools' success is the students' backgrounds. That suggests the reason to pay to live in HPISD is your children's peers rather than the teachers.