TJ Acceptance Demographics Available Here

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04/10/2014 14:03

Subject: TJ Acceptance Demographics Available Here

quote

Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The whole discussion about how many applicants of which race applied and how many of which race were accepted is not relevant. Only the most qualified and most able students should be accepted regardless of race. TJ is a national treasure that is role model for the whole country and the state. We should encourage development of more schools like TJ and encourage and promote good study habits and good teachers so that everyone regardless of race can develop and grow to their fullest potential.

Race is relevant to the extent that the sharp decline in students interested in the school appears to be strongly correlated with the increase in Asian students. As a matter of social science, if not pedagogy, that is worth discussing.

Response: This has been discussed. Some claim there are other opportunities such as STEM academies, AOS or problem with long commute etc. Others claim whites are being racist that this is like 'white flight" due to too many Asians. Whether the white flight is due to laziness, not being smart enough, dislike of Asians or some combination of all these, we will have to see. But it doesn't paint white students in a very favorable light whichever way you cut it.

As for whether TJ is a "role model" for other jurisdictions, you haven't even begun to make that case. How does having a single magnet school filled primarily with students of one ethnicity spur students in other schools to "develop and grow to their fullest potential"? Your assumption is that everything about TJ ought to be seen as an example that inspires others. Apart from your wanting to put TJ on a pedestal, what is your evidence that the school actually serves that purpose?

Response: Why does it matter whether the school is primarily Asian, Hispanics, whites or blacks? That is totally irrelevant. Period. We need bright and capable STEM people for our economy and for our future. Technology and computers are increasingly playing vital roles and the whole world will continue to be more technology driven. We are already at a competitive disadvantage compared to some other countries. Disparaging schools like TJ just because it has many Asians is idiotic. Whether the scientists and engineers are blacks or Asians or whatever, we need competent scientists for our future and to continue to prosper as a nation.

One could just as easily argue that TJ harms other schools by depriving them of good students, and reduces the incentive that might otherwise exist to ensure that ALL students reach their potential. One could also argue that the predominance of Asian students at TJ sends a strong message to other students that they should not bother exerting themselves, because it's mostly Asian students who'll end up there anyway. How does it motivate black or Hispanic students to see the county publish statistics year after year that highlight how few of them are admitted to TJ?

Response: I think you are insulting the other base schools. There are plenty of smart and capable students at other base schools. Just look at the number of students rejected each year. Thousands of students who are highly capable are rejected each year and attend base schools. On top of that, there are other capable students who had not applied to TJ attending base schools. TJ model should serve as a counter balance to the prevailing culture and attitude that education is not very important, learning is not very important. There is too much over the top celebration of sports and entertainment. Sure those things are important but studying and learning are just as important if not more for school age children. Also, your claim that TJ sends a message that other races should not bother to apply is not true. FCPS wants to have more black and Hispanic students. They made that absolutely clear. The reduction in applications by blacks and Hispanics is relatively minor. Only the white applicant numbers have declined in noticeable numbers. In fact the numbers kept increasing (despite the continued dismal admission rates for blacks and Hispanics) to 2012 and then declined only in the last two years. The decline could be attributed to the overall decline in the number of teenagers beginning with 2011/2012. There are many studies indicating the total number of teenagers are declining after having increased for the last 20 plus years due to the echo baby boomers disappearing. Even some of the Ivy League Universities have reported decreased number of applicants for last year and this year due to this phenomena. The important thing is to improve the elementary and the middle schools and increase number of Hispanics and blacks into the AAP so that they are properly educated and prepared for school like TJ.

Why would other states want to replicate that, unless they were sure the good would outweigh the bad? I'm open to being convinced, but the only thing you've convinced me of so far is that you have a high opinion of yourself.

Response:
There are already STEM magnet schools in other states. They don't dwell on the demographics of the students. They care about educating and providing the best possible learning environment to prepare their students to do well at any universities. This is like AAP preparing young students to do well in ANY high schools. Schools like TJ prepare students to be ready and to perform well in ANY universities. Do you know that large percentage of URMs drop out of top universities prior to graduation? Why is that? They were not educated to handle rigorous academic environments.