Ranking of Suggestions

My ranking in order of importance:

Barry Boyce "A Real Education"
bell hooks "Critical Thinking"
Keith Gilyard "Children, Arts and Du Bois"
Deb Aronson "Arizona Bans [Latino/a History Program]"
Jerry Large "Gift of Grit"

The way I ranked these articles is quite straight forward.
First, one needs to be open-minded and at peace with oneself and the world or at least be able to recognize when one is not either.  This makes for a more effective learning experience.  Okay,  now that the mind is focused it will be more able to begin to engage in a meaningful and "critical" way.  The student will be more able to see different perspectives, points of view, backgrounds, etc.  Next, if schools are offering the classes and programs that will only enhance and stretch the imaginations and natural gifts of students, the students will continue to learn in a positive way.  After that, schools should and could offer programs of study that are applicable to the local population.  I am sure that in the south in predominately African American communities there is a bigger emphasis on the contribution that African Americans have made in this country and I see no reason why anyone should be denied teaching that is more relevant to their culture as long as that opportunity is offered to everyone.  And finally, Jerry Large comes in last.  Of course, all children should be given the "gift of grit".  The article is slightly simple in the statement "If more parents hug and kiss and coo in those first years, we'd have a lot more happy and successful children."  If that were true I would have the most happy kids in the world.  In my opinion, not one of these ideas would work on their own but if two or more were combined, than watch out!  The skies the limit....