November 12, 2010

The Search for the American Dream

Can people at the bottom of the ladder still make it to the top in our country? An author conducts an interesting experiment to see if the American Dream is still alive. Then a troubling study of middle school education finds that low achievers are being thrown into advanced classes whether theyre ready or not.

Episode Segments:

InfoTrak: Scratch Beginnings Adam Shepard, an expert on homelessness, and author of Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream conducted an experiment: He set out for a randomly selected city with $25 and one objective... work his way out of homelessness and into a life that would give him the opportunity for success.
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InfoTrak: Math Students Not Making the Grade Americas current education policy seeks to place every eight-grader into an algebra class. However, Dr. Tom Loveless research has found that many students who are enrolled in these classes are woefully unprepared for advanced math. He explained the reasons behind the problem, and outlined the ways that schools and parents can help.
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InfoTrak: Recovering from Domestic Violence Leigh Thomas, author of An Ordinary Journey: A User's Guide to Healing from the Abuses of Sex, Drugs, Rock 'N Roll And Attempted Murder discusses her personal experience as a victim of domestic violence, including incest, rape and physical abuse. She has dealt with her trauma through hope and a sense of humor. She offered advice to others who are going trying to escape domestic violence.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Adam Shepard Adam Shepard is a 2006 graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA where he majored in Business Management and Spanish. Serving as a Resident Advisor during his upperclassmen years, he began to take particular interest in the social issues of our nation. Shortly after graduation - with almost literally $25 to his name - Shepard departed his home state for Charleston, SC, embarking on the journey that has now become Scratch Beginnings. Scratch Beginnings is Shepard's first work. He presently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Adam's Website