Jonathan Kozol’s novel, Fire In The Ashes, depicts families who were forced into homelessness in one way or another and were forced to live their lives in the inner cities of New York. Violence and drugs overran most of the neighborhoods, and the educational system simply pushed students from grade to grade without caring whether the students learned anything at all. This notion is illustrated within the second chapter of the novel. Lisette, a daughter of a resident living in a homeless shelter, is described by her mother as having “potential”, however, the schools are inadequate. Lisette’s mother notes that “an A-plus on a book report doesn’t mean a whole lot at this school she goes to,” (Kozol 21) illustrating how this school system and ones like it will push students along, giving them passing grades even though they are not earned. These school systems are failing students, not giving them the attention and education they deserve. They may advance from grade level to grade level, but failing them in
Jonathan Kozol’s novel, Fire In The Ashes, depicts families who were forced into homelessness in one way or another and were forced to live their lives in the inner cities of New York. Violence and drugs overran most of the neighborhoods, and the educational system simply pushed students from grade to grade without caring whether the students learned anything at all. This notion is illustrated within the second chapter of the novel. Lisette, a daughter of a resident living in a homeless shelter, is described by her mother as having “potential”, however, the schools are inadequate. Lisette’s mother notes that “an A-plus on a book report doesn’t mean a whole lot at this school she goes to,” (Kozol 21) illustrating how this school system and ones like it will push students along, giving them passing grades even though they are not earned. These school systems are failing students, not giving them the attention and education they deserve. They may advance from grade level to grade level, but failing them in