Morris Said:

Is there such a thing as having "unreasonable expectations" when it comes to educating inner city kids?

We Answered:

No you are not. Often the parents are working multiple low paying jobs to keep things together, so they do not have the time to help their kids, and feel a bit guilty about it. Please reassure them that you know they are doing the best that they can under the circumstances. You are there to help their kids as much as you can. Nothing that you learn is really wasted time or effort. They can use the knowledge eventually, and brains need to be exercised for people to become smart. They have to push themselves to learn something new. Eventually people will try to live up to your expectations. If you expect nothing, then that is usually what you will get from them. Ask them to take out the movie "Stand and Deliver."

Forget about your colleagues - idiots! I am just saying that you can really make a difference.