New research confirms that black students excel when they are taught by black teachers . Interestingly enough, three years ago, a different study contended that the race of children doesn't matter . The way I see it, each of these statements is true... and also false. I have observed through personal relationships, and/or just plain observation that a child will be who you set in their mind they will be. If you tell a child he is stupid, he will act stupid. If you say a child is bad at math, she will continue to be bad at math. Children are very open to suggestion. This is just part of the problem. I also know, just from dealing with my own kids and observing others, that children will meet the bar you set, and no more. So if you place the bar low, the child will meet it and then coast from that point. If you keep raising the bar, children will work to meet the bar. Eventually, if you keep raising the bar, they will learn to keep excelling on their own... if you keep l...