On February 1, 1989, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard, III spoke to the Los Angeles Unified School District Special Committee of the Whole in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Hilliard's presentation focused on the root causes of low academic achievement, particularly among students in low-income schools. He identifies seven structural problems with schools that "disable" children, including low achievement expectations, "high-cost/low-performance" assessment systems, and ineffective staff development, among others. Hilliard cites the work of the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools in updating curriculum to include a fuller consideration of the achievements and contributions of minority groups, particularly African Americans. Dr. Hilliard's presentation is followed by brief remarks by Congressman Augustus F. Hawkins.