I have personally experienced and observed this:

One school is in an upscale suburban area, largely white. The facility is clean and maintained, with plenty of computers. The school has clearly stated high expectations for ALL students behaviorally and academically. Habitually coming to school late, unprepared and unexcused absences are unacceptable. Insubordination and disrespect of fellow students and staff is not tolerated. Consequences are real and swift. The staff works together weekly for common planning and school wide goals. 85% of the students will graduate, and most will go to college or find employment.

Another school is in an urban area, not exactly inner city, definitely “diverse” 40% minority, most of those Hispanic. The facility is nice, maintained and also has plenty of computers. There are special “programs” and specially trained teachers for English learners… in short, help abounds for an immigrant population. Expectation for student behavior is low, but especially low for non-white students. Teachers average 400 tardies per year, or 400 interruptions to instruction. There are no consequences from the administration for this behavior. If students come unprepared, the teacher is expected to provide materials and not make an issue of it. More than half of the Hispanic students do not attend class regularly, and phone calls home go unanswered or the parent does not speak English. Many Caucasian students will fail to attend class, but one or two phone calls gets them back on track. Most of the Caucasian students will graduate from this school, most of the Hispanic students will not. Many will lament the “racist” system for their failure. This school also requires certain fees for classes with lab requirements. Almost none of the Hispanic students pay the $5-10 fees needed to run labs, so, the other students pick up the tab as teachers raise fees every year. Ironically, many of the non-fee paying students pull up to school (when they come) in their cars while talking on a cell phone and listening to their I-pod.

California is about to throw out its exit exam, and 8th grade level test required for graduation because Latinos complained and sued that they could not pass this test. What will be next, individual teachers forced to throw out all of their tests? We have already lowered expectations so far in many of our schools. Where does it end?

I think this true story simply highlights the costs that we are all paying for this influx. Isn’t it clear that the costs are not just in dollar amounts?