Schools cannot solve everything that is wrong with the society...
Some may say that schools were meant to provide educational opportunity to those who would value it, so that all members of society may participate in civic life and determine the direction of society.
... but they have to have some value added.
Unfortunately, the forums are filled with cases of schools not providing "value added" for gifted students, who are expected to languish all day and then after-school to keep their brains from deteriorating. Studies then decry that these students outperform others, and prescribe further limits on their in-school experiences so that equal outcomes can be achieved. It is a vicious cycle.
It cannot all be SES or mother's IQ.
Agreed. The story of Ben Carson illustrates this and provides anecdotal evidence. Work ethic trumped SES and Mother's education being limited to 3rd grade.
