The reader can see changes occurring in Gregor's family. Describe how his mother has changed.

Education empowers people with the knowledge, skills and values they need to build a better world. ... The belief that quality education can help reduce poverty and inequality comes from a recognition that education is a basic human right—similar to food and shelter—and that it is vital to protecting human dignity.

Explanation: According to international rankings, the U.S. educational system is depressingly mediocre. The United States spends more per student than most nations but produces dismal results in student achievement, especially in math and science. What’s more, students’ socioeconomic status plays a larger role in their educational achievements in the United States than in other countries. Consequently, it is no surprise that educational issues such as the Common Core State Standards, teacher pay, teachers unions, and district budgets cuts are in the news. As policymakers, administrators, teachers, and parents work to decrease gaps in student performance and increase student achievement levels, political and policy differences have led to contentious battles at the local, state, and national levels.