I would bet that you are right.
The unfortunate child is facing obstacles that inevitably turn him against learning. It happens in the good schools too. But in the poor schools they too often just give up trying. By the time they are a young adult they have no hope that they will learn enough to be competitive in this world. What alternative is there except to use political strength to coerce funds from others to be directed their way?
Redistribution is wanted by those who do not think they can achieve on their own. It also seems to be wanted by those who have achieved and feel guilty about it.
What we need are real solutions.
Schools need to be first safe. Then the kids need to have a realistic expectation that it will teach them something based on evidence. Then it needs to prepare them to be competitive. Rather than to teach them half the gobbledeygook schools teach.
If all schools turn out good students then there will be no argument for redistribution.
A hundred years ago students were taught with all ages in one classroom and the only tool the teacher had was a couple of books and a blackboard. Money is not the answer. Communities that support the school and parents that give kids hope and teachers that give kids evidence that the hope is warranted and curiculum that makes sense is what is needed.
I don't know how to make a declining community support a school.
I don't know how to make a crack head mother give her kids hope.
I don't know how a teacher is supposed to fight against these odds.
I don't know how to make politicians let schools made sensible curiculum.
