A 5th D site which may have been "not successful" on a more individual and
activity anaysis was "more successful" in regards to sustainability in the
community itself (similar sites were started). I see Delpit and Billings
(both with a more anthropoligical perspective) going in a similar
direction. The schools/classrooms that Billings chose may/may not have been
schools in which individual/class/individual schools were the major
determiner of "excellence". I think Mike's reference to diversity is
important because if a society is seen as homogenous or desireing
homogenous outcomes the emphasis will be on individuals, skills, and
abilities. If on the other hand we take a more pluralistic approach it
will not be so much that individuals, skills, and abilities will no longer
an issue, but rather they will be embedded within the larger context of
culture, activity, community, and politics.
Nate