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Fatalist and pseudo-scientist Charles Murray believes that IQ is immutable, that efforts to close achievement gaps are wasted, and that programs to level the social and economic playing fields drain life of meaning.  

He would do well to examine the achievements of Say Yes to Education, a remarkable program that has dramatically changed the odds for disadvantaged urban students in several U.S. cities: 

The Say Yes promise and supports begin when a child enters kindergarten and continue through high school and beyond. The range of services Say Yes offers across its Chapters include everything from after-school and summer programming, mentoring, tutoring, and school-day academic support to family outreach, scholarships, and social work/ psychological services. Additionally, Say Yes partners provide high-quality health care and legal assistance.

Students in Say Yes communities have high school graduation, college-going and college completion rates similar to those of suburban students.

Not that any of this would change Charles Murray's mind. He's a slow learner.

Update: I recently spoke with Say Yes president Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey about the program and its success. She brought down the house at our recent summit of public education leaders. Stay tuned for a recording and transcript of our interview, which will appear on this site next week.