Most Americans do not believe that hard work alone is ultimately worth it

In the past, economists have acknowledged that citing hard work as the path to prosperity is overly simplistic and optimistic. Ultimately, whether hard work alone can lift people into better economic conditions is a more complex question. The formula only works if an individual’s efforts are met with opportunities for a better life. According to research, it’s getting harder and harder for Americans to move up the income ladder.

Source: Americans Are Skeptical That Hard Work Will Pay Off – The Atlantic

Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers stresses how important opportunity is to success. How can we help this in school? By giving student’s opportunities and helping students find these opportunities.