Despite the Best Intentions

In "Despite the Best Intentions," John Diamond and Amanda Lewis unveil the troubling persistence of the achievement gap at Riverview High School, an affluent and diverse institution that appears to embody a post-racial ideal. Through five years of research, including interviews and data analysis, the authors reveal that despite well-trained teachers and favorable conditions, black and Latino students continue to lag behind their white and Asian peers in academic performance. This in-depth study sheds light on the systemic factors contributing to educational disparities, challenging our understanding of race and achievement in America.