"I teach in a community that is severely affected by poverty, drugs and alcohol , and unemployment. Absenteeism is a major factor that affects my students' education. Recently, our state education department said that a team will be coming to our school because we have not made AYP for several years. It is very disconcerting and discouraging to know that we, as educators, are doing our best and, it seems to me, are hitting a brick wall.

"Please consider the fact that not all children come from the same backgrounds or have the same opportunities, and so we do not have a level playing field."

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