1a. From your perspective and experiences, what do you think are the most important factors that influence someone’s economic or academic success (e.g., good career/job, high salary, owning a home, etc.)?
1b. Why do you believe those factors are important?

2. What role does family play in influencing someone’s economic or academic success?
3. Do you think people’s cultural background can influence whether or not they are successful in school or in life? Please explain.
4. What role does education play in influencing someone’s economic or academic success?
5. Do you think that education can prevent or improve economic or academic success? Please explain.
6. Can you think of any reasons why some students may typically do better in school than others?
7. Can you think of any reasons why some students may typically do worse in school than others?
8. What changes do you believe need to be made to the current educational system to meet future demands of the U.S. economy?