FAMILY EDUCATION
If you were asked to name the one most important factor that impels a child from a disadvantaged family to acquire a higher education, quite possibly you would mention quality schools or inspiring teachers. In either case, you would be wrong. According to a seven-year study completed by Atlanta University some years ago, the most important determinant in such a situation is family encouragement. Good schools and dedicated teachers are, of course, important too. But in analyzing the case histories of 517 African-American holders of doctor’s degrees, researchers found that almost always an extraordinary mother, father, or grandparent had encouraged and advised these scholars early in their lives. Sometimes a minister or teacher influenced the child, but the study concludes: “the family is indeed of decisive importance.” From American Education
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