Detroit Kids - Very Sad

I came across this last week, and thought I would share:
http://www.freep.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/5160413/High-lead-levels-hurt-learning-for-DPS-kids
http://www.freep.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/100514045/
http://www.freep.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/100514031/Map-shows-lead-levels-in-Detroit

We all know that Detroit's educational system is a mess, with an extremely poor graduation rate, near bankruptcy, etc. There is a lot of blame to go around, but maybe not as much as you might think. According to the Free Press, basically, about half the kids in Detroit Public Schools have a history of lead poisoning, which can cause cognitive and mental problems. It seems that, despite the hard work in put by everyone, the students and teachers of Detroit may be fighting this battle with one arm tied behind their backs...

Educational reform, best practices, Robert Bobb, etc. can only go so far in fixing this. Certainly, things can be better, but maybe not as great as we would hope.