My daughter is the only white girl in her grade: ask me anything
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
OP here. Okay, skeptics. What would y'all consider "above grade level" in a "good" school in kindergarten? In first grade?
I don't see what I've posted that would indicate that I'm sacrificing DD's education. All you know is that she goes to a DCPS with a lot of poor kids and few white kids and less than stellar test scores. I haven't named the school and I haven't gone into detail about DD's academic skills at this time - partially because this thread is about her social experience and partially because she is in first grade so "academic" skills are not really academic at this time. At this point, I'm inclined to think that many of you do not have kids in DCPS or DC at all. The things I've said about our school could describe many schools in DC. If you truly believe that the only place children can be educated is a wealthy school with a lot of white kids, please find another thread because I'm getting pretty tired of being polite to people who post here to remind me - over and over - that I'm a terrible parent. Your comments aren't about the school and aren't contributing to any dialogue about the experience of being the only _____ in a class. Thank you. |
Anonymous
9 for the new school. |
Anonymous
why did you move? |
Anonymous
I agree, OP. I don't think it's more than a couple of naysayers who likely don't even live in DC. I think this thread has been helpful in the first few pages for families who may be considering majority minority schools. Then, it has devolved into one or two hecklers taking advantage of the fact that you said you'd answer all questions. Thanks for sharing your perspective, though. I think it has been helpful for many families who are concerned about their kids sticking out or having a difficult time in an environment in which they're a racial minority. -an AA mom |
Anonymous
it's extremely hard to catch up once your DC falls behind. even in elementary school... people who are beating on your decision probably have older kids. |
Anonymous
We moved because we needed more space and because we were looking for what on paper was a better school. And there are differences in the schools--but not in our experience thus far in the quality of education. I actually think the "extras" we got as a title 1 school before gave the edge to the prior school. I kind of feel like at the current school the teachers are mailing it in a bit. Not at all the case with or last school--the teachers worked hard to meet kids' needs, including my child's. Anytime we asked to meet with the teacher at or last school, she made the time, as much as we needed. At our current school, the teacher blew us off when we asked to talk to her. There are some benefits at our new school. Much more involved PTO--though the school needs it because it gets lower funding (not title 1). And easier to arrange play dates. But is my child getting a better education? No. |
Anonymous
I think that many on DCUM truly believe this. That's why they run to the burbs. |
Anonymous
believe what? |
Anonymous
Very American. Can't start the rat race too early! As a European, I might be concerned with my kid's social experience of being the only one of her race (which apparently is racist to worry about), but I wouldn't worry too much about the academics in early elementary, if general standards are met. |
Anonymous
It was true here when I went to college in 80s. Not so any longer. College process is totally out of control but you have to play the game. |
Anonymous
You seriously think an intelligent child is unable to catch up in the later elementary grades if they move to a better school then? If so, then how early do you need to worry about academic school quality? In PK? |
Anonymous
+1. Like it or not, kids don't learn in a vacuum. They learn a lot from their peers, and from general classroom dynamics. A kid surrounded by "advanced" kids is likely to end up grades ahead than if the same kid had been all around underperforming students several years in a row. IMO, OP is toying with her girl's education and future. Her choice...but not one that I'd take lightly. Signed, Minority parent |
Anonymous
I do not know. What I know is once kids are put on certain track, it's hard to get on a different track. I realize how crazy I sound (OP told me so already  ) but it is what it is. It's not like changing TV channel... You don't just change the channel and expect all is well. You want to put kids on the right track from the start.
|
Anonymous
Perspective from white, middle class parent of a middle and high-school stdent. Honestly, it can be hard to be sanguine about this stuff when it seems all others are racing ahead. My DC went to a DCUM "HRC" and enrolled in BASIS for 6th. Through grade school DC's teachers had always said math was an area of strength. Based on the BASIS placement test, DC was placed in pre-Algebra, which seemed fine until kid was crushed to learn that there are 30+ students who are at least one grade level ahead of DC in math. I met with the school and saw the test results and couldn't really argue for a more advanced placement. I understand the need to run one's own race, but it's not fun when you realize lots of kids are significantly 'ahead' of yours at what still seems like a young age. Obviously it doesn't necessarily mean DC won't get into college of his/her choice but the competition and pressure is ever-present in DC and feeds the issues on this thread. |
Anonymous
Based on what I've heard about DCUM's HRCs, I would not be surprised to find that run-of-the-mill neighborhood DCPSs provide better math instruction. |