FALLING DOWN ON THE JOB

AT THE POTOMAC JOB CORPS CENTER in Washington, D.C., disadvantaged youths aged 16 to 24 live in dorms, work on reading, and learn trades. Some study to become house painters, others to become bricklayers, carpenters — even cosmetologists. And all of them study American history. Well, sort of.

The class is not called American history but “Intergroup Relations/Cultural Awareness Training.” There are seven students in this particular section – five blacks, two Latinos — whose average reading level is roughly eighth- grade. Today’s subject is the black experience in America.