* "The difference I notice with the level of success between different ethnicities is that the Asian-American students seem more prepared for school and our classroom discussions. The two students I have in my class go to Chinese school outside of Highlands and receive a supplemental education that prepares them for skills taught in first grade. Because these students attend school outside the regular education setting, I notice their experiences are richer making them more successful when learning new concepts. These students have exposure to a wide variety of skills." [ER]

* "I have noticed a difference in the level of success between different ethnicities. Most of the Polish and Asians tend to learn quicker than other ethnic groups. It seems even though the family still keeps up on their own culture and language they insist on the children to learn and do well in American schools. The demands placed on these children at home are much stronger and the parents take more interest with the teacher in order to help them." [SK]

* "The only reason there would be a difference in success is because of lack of knowledge of the English language. Otherwise, no." [SRe]

* "It varies. There is no ethnic distinction. What is important is the value the family puts on education." [FS]

* "No, I can think of members from each background who were motivated to be successful." [MP]

* "I don't feel as if I can make a general statement about success and race or culture. This is something that varies due to individual. The only problem that I have teaching ANY student is if they are totally unmotivated." [JKo]

* "Not particularly. I've noticed that the stereotypes are sad and wrong. Every ethnicity has its brilliant learners and academically challenged; its inquisitive and passive; its achievers and lazy." [SL]

* "No. I notice that all students, no matter what their background try to do their best." [NK]

* "At this level the children are still influenced mainly by the teacher. If the teacher has the same expectations for all the students then they will step up to those expectations. It seem as the students get older they break more into their ethnic groups." [CA]

* "No. Ethnicity has not been a determiner/predictor of success in the schools/classrooms I have taught in." [JKu]

* I have not notice a lot of differences in ethnicities in Itasca. Perhaps one thing I've seen a bit is that most Asians seem to take education more seriously. Once in awhile you will see some ethnicities "coddle" their male children more than the female." [DR]

* "Yes, between ethnicities as much as individually. I have noticed that each student is as successful as they choose to be. I have students who do their assignments, read and pay attention in class, while some students don't. The students who aren't as successful are the students who also seem to lack the encouragement as well as discipline from home." [KP]

* "It seems to be that most of the lower class students have a harder time academically. Although, it's not true in all cases." [HH]

* "I have noticed a slight difference. The Asian students seem to be more prepared for class on a regular basis and some students who are not fluent in English seem to be a bit slower." [KW]

* No not really some students have trouble with speaking English. For those that do have trouble with different languages their is a lot of help available for them." [JKe]

* "The Asian students seem to work harder at their studies." [NS]

* "I suppose somewhat. I think that every student is a different case, but it seems that Asian students tend to be more responsible in their studies." [SRo]