Over several months, a string of novice tutors from a private company offering federally financed after-school classes had tried and failed to control Room 207’s dozen rambunctious students. A supervisor from the company was dispatched to troubleshoot. Effie McHenry, Wentworth’s principal, was clucking her tongue in disapproval.
I just don’t think they’re prepared to deal with challenging inner city children,” Mrs. McHenry said of the company, talking past the supervisor to a visitor. “I think they expected to find children who’d just sit down and wait for them to expound. These kids aren’t like that. They need challenging instruction.”