Thanks for commenting. You’re right, the achievement gap between Hispanic and White is more complicated than federal programs positioning themselves as the single solution provider. I am for more parental choice for their kids’ education in terms of a freer market to spend your education dollar, but the broader meaning of parental control starts in the home: (1) Parents must read and work with their children, (2) Parents must limit media entertainment, and , (3) Parents must find motivations and incentives to fire up their kids to learning on their own. I think these actions transcend demography and the segmentation differences in the Hispanic community.

Demographics may make comparisons to states like Florida tempting but there’s a world of difference in culture. I went from K-12 in New Mexico more years ago then I’d like to think about and have children you have gone through or are going through it now. Drop out rates are basically unchanged, regardless of the myriad policies and funding priorities. Unless we are willing to deal with the family and societal factors unique to New Mexico which consistently mean almost half of the students do not graduate, there’s no amount of money or good intentions that will make a difference.