Sociology 4949: Worksheet--"Unequal Education"

1. Describe the physical layout and facilities at each of the two New York City junior high schools profiled in this movie:

a. JHS 141 in Riverdale

b. JHS 137 in South Fordham

2. How do the two principals describe their schools and the teachers in those schools?

a. JHS 141, Riverdale

b. JHS 137, South Fordham

3. What are the concerns of the mothers of the two boys profiled?

a. James Kelly's mother

b. Lonnie Smith's mother

Sociology 4949: Groups--"Unequal Education"

1. Why are these schools, in the same district of New York City and just miles apart, so very different? Why do you suppose the school board doesn't equalize the resources flowing to these schools?

2. Both boys in the video have concerned and involved mothers. What are the two mothers able to do about their concerns for their sons' educations? Why is James' mother thinking of moving him to a private school?

3. What will most likely happen to a boy like James as he becomes an adult? How about a boy like Lonnie?

4 What are the most important differences between schools that serve middle and upper middle class neighborhoods and those that serve poor and working class neighborhoods? Why are dropout rates so high and achievement levels so low in the latter?

5. What do you think about Kozol's argument that in a just society, schools serving impoverished, inner city neighborhoods should actually have more resources than suburban schools?

6. How do you suppose these schools are affected by President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" legislation?