Northam’s “Anti-Asian, Anti-Immigrant” School Initiative

[Anonymous]

Very glad the state is taking a hard look at its Governor’s Schools. They used to just be summer programs and now they are year-round testaments to just how discriminatory public schools can be. Whether it was all-white schools in the 1950s or nearly all-Asian schools today like TJ, they remind Black kids that they always come last in Virginia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very glad the state is taking a hard look at its Governor’s Schools. They used to just be summer programs and now they are year-round testaments to just how discriminatory public schools can be. Whether it was all-white schools in the 1950s or nearly all-Asian schools today like TJ, they remind Black kids that they always come last in Virginia.

Only if you took the test and didnt pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's racist to grant admission based on race. The admission process should be race blind.

On so many pages of the similar threads, I've never seen messages from black people saying how passionate their kids are about math/science and how their dream was to get into TJ - yet, they were rejected. It doesn't seem to be the problem. However, I saw messages saying "my black (Hispanic) child is a great student, very good at math, but we are not interested in TJ because we don't want our child to be the only black/Hispanic student in the classroom." Aren't these statements racist? Our white DD goes to TJ and is often times the only white female in the classroom. It doesn't bother us for a single second. She has a lot of Asian/Indian friends, boys and girls.

As far as you know this is an anonymous board. If you know poster's races, then maybe Jeff owes us an explanation.

However, just because your white daughter has completely fit in with the crowd, doesn't make other students, who need a bit of a more specific network, racist.

Also, there is a stigma that follows AA and Latino kids, and that their admission is race based. So, it's only natural that they would find comfort in numbers. Also, they may be completely not racist, but they don't feel they are able to cope with the stigma, so they rather miss the opportunity all together.

Black people don't have a stigma of being particularly quiet. If they thought that their children were unfairly denied admission to TJ and suspected that it was only because of their race, they would have started their own threads, petitions, protests, lawsuits, etc. and shared their personal stories. Yet, I don't see any stories from black families or even trolls pretending to be black saying that a specific talented black child was rejected by TJ only because of their race. Therefore the current admission process appears truly race-blind, without any stigma on anyone. However, if they change the rules as suggested, then of course everybody seeing a black TJ freshman will think that they got in due to the special quota and not because of their talent and hard work.

DP. Assume whatever you want to assume. If more URMs are admitted to TJ and then translates to more qualified nonAsian minority scientists, who cares if some bigoted person thinks they're there because of some quota. Not all TJ students have had extensive outside academic tutors/camps/courses, but a huge percent have. Poor kids who don't have the resources to have those opportunities will never be able to compete against those kids who have. So what appears to be a our meritocracy really is a reflection of parents' financial resources. Look at TJ's FARMS rate compared to other FCPS schools' if you want evidence. TJ is a public school and those in charge should be able to make sure that the school isn't skewed towards those who get outside academic support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's racist to grant admission based on race. The admission process should be race blind.

On so many pages of the similar threads, I've never seen messages from black people saying how passionate their kids are about math/science and how their dream was to get into TJ - yet, they were rejected. It doesn't seem to be the problem. However, I saw messages saying "my black (Hispanic) child is a great student, very good at math, but we are not interested in TJ because we don't want our child to be the only black/Hispanic student in the classroom." Aren't these statements racist? Our white DD goes to TJ and is often times the only white female in the classroom. It doesn't bother us for a single second. She has a lot of Asian/Indian friends, boys and girls.

As far as you know this is an anonymous board. If you know poster's races, then maybe Jeff owes us an explanation.

However, just because your white daughter has completely fit in with the crowd, doesn't make other students, who need a bit of a more specific network, racist.

Also, there is a stigma that follows AA and Latino kids, and that their admission is race based. So, it's only natural that they would find comfort in numbers. Also, they may be completely not racist, but they don't feel they are able to cope with the stigma, so they rather miss the opportunity all together.

Black people don't have a stigma of being particularly quiet. If they thought that their children were unfairly denied admission to TJ and suspected that it was only because of their race, they would have started their own threads, petitions, protests, lawsuits, etc. and shared their personal stories. Yet, I don't see any stories from black families or even trolls pretending to be black saying that a specific talented black child was rejected by TJ only because of their race. Therefore the current admission process appears truly race-blind, without any stigma on anyone. However, if they change the rules as suggested, then of course everybody seeing a black TJ freshman will think that they got in due to the special quota and not because of their talent and hard work.

DP. Assume whatever you want to assume. If more URMs are admitted to TJ and then translates to more qualified nonAsian minority scientists, who cares if some bigoted person thinks they're there because of some quota. Not all TJ students have had extensive outside academic tutors/camps/courses, but a huge percent have. Poor kids who don't have the resources to have those opportunities will never be able to compete against those kids who have. So what appears to be a our meritocracy really is a reflection of parents' financial resources. Look at TJ's FARMS rate compared to other FCPS schools' if you want evidence. TJ is a public school and those in charge should be able to make sure that the school isn't skewed towards those who get outside academic support.

TJ prep courses are not very effective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the lack of diversity at TJ is an indictment if the entire AAP pipeline in FCPS, and it can’t be solved through the TJ admission’s process. There’s another thread here about just how uncommitted the FCPS PTB are to AAP, and it’s just exacerbating the diversity problem. I say this as an AAP parent, with a kid that is actually gifted, and isn’t being served well by the current system. I believe in it, I just don’t think FCPS does, or we’d see a more diverse set of kids rise up through the ranks. It’s all on the parents as it is, and that’s why we see the results we do.

There should be one test on one day for all say 1st graders. It should be limited to say the top 1-2% max No appeals etc. If its 100% asian or 100% black who cares.

Kids shouldn't be tracked starting in first grade. My kids attend title I schools and they were academically way ahead of their classmates starting in K because of the academic exposure I gave them prior to K. Lower SES students shouldn't be excluded from access to advanced academics before many have even been exposed to academic enrichment. These repetitive threads of TJ parents demanding to keep TJ the way it is because URM kids are unqualified for a public school program (basically compared to kids who have had extensive, costly outside academic enrichment) have made me realize that public schools should focus on making academic opportunities available to all segments of the communities they serve. If you want a special super competitive high school that only caters to a certain type of student then you should have to go private.

[Anonymous]

TJ Parent here who supports reform.

I have additional thoughts on the FARMS rate.

First, I agree that the SES of families provides a tremendous admissions boost, whether that consists of educated parents who know how to game the system to affording extracurricular activities/enrichment for STEM.

But I also believe that some logistical aspects of TJ discourage FARMS families from applying and need to be looked at. For example, the longer school day means that it is very hard for kids to have after school jobs to contribute to family income or for kids to provide childcare for younger siblings. Second, the transportation (no late buses) means that kids can't participate in sports or band or clubs (outside of 8th period) unless their parents can come pick them up.

Not sure what to do about this, but think that every aspect of TJ needs a hard look to increase diversity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's racist to grant admission based on race. The admission process should be race blind.

On so many pages of the similar threads, I've never seen messages from black people saying how passionate their kids are about math/science and how their dream was to get into TJ - yet, they were rejected. It doesn't seem to be the problem. However, I saw messages saying "my black (Hispanic) child is a great student, very good at math, but we are not interested in TJ because we don't want our child to be the only black/Hispanic student in the classroom." Aren't these statements racist? Our white DD goes to TJ and is often times the only white female in the classroom. It doesn't bother us for a single second. She has a lot of Asian/Indian friends, boys and girls.

As far as you know this is an anonymous board. If you know poster's races, then maybe Jeff owes us an explanation.

However, just because your white daughter has completely fit in with the crowd, doesn't make other students, who need a bit of a more specific network, racist.

Also, there is a stigma that follows AA and Latino kids, and that their admission is race based. So, it's only natural that they would find comfort in numbers. Also, they may be completely not racist, but they don't feel they are able to cope with the stigma, so they rather miss the opportunity all together.

Black people don't have a stigma of being particularly quiet. If they thought that their children were unfairly denied admission to TJ and suspected that it was only because of their race, they would have started their own threads, petitions, protests, lawsuits, etc. and shared their personal stories. Yet, I don't see any stories from black families or even trolls pretending to be black saying that a specific talented black child was rejected by TJ only because of their race. Therefore the current admission process appears truly race-blind, without any stigma on anyone. However, if they change the rules as suggested, then of course everybody seeing a black TJ freshman will think that they got in due to the special quota and not because of their talent and hard work.

DP. Assume whatever you want to assume. If more URMs are admitted to TJ and then translates to more qualified nonAsian minority scientists, who cares if some bigoted person thinks they're there because of some quota. Not all TJ students have had extensive outside academic tutors/camps/courses, but a huge percent have. Poor kids who don't have the resources to have those opportunities will never be able to compete against those kids who have. So what appears to be a our meritocracy really is a reflection of parents' financial resources. Look at TJ's FARMS rate compared to other FCPS schools' if you want evidence. TJ is a public school and those in charge should be able to make sure that the school isn't skewed towards those who get outside academic support.

TJ prep courses are not very effective.

But CYT, tutors, AoPs...starting at a young age will make a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TJ Parent here who supports reform.

I have additional thoughts on the FARMS rate.

First, I agree that the SES of families provides a tremendous admissions boost, whether that consists of educated parents who know how to game the system to affording extracurricular activities/enrichment for STEM.

But I also believe that some logistical aspects of TJ discourage FARMS families from applying and need to be looked at. For example, the longer school day means that it is very hard for kids to have after school jobs to contribute to family income or for kids to provide childcare for younger siblings. Second, the transportation (no late buses) means that kids can't participate in sports or band or clubs (outside of 8th period) unless their parents can come pick them up.

Not sure what to do about this, but think that every aspect of TJ needs a hard look to increase diversity.

Who cares about diversity I want the smartest kids in there period

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no interest in TJ, but why don’t they implement a similar application/acceptance system of Ivy League and other good colleges:

Have the test but also take into consideration background, personality, extracurricular activities etc? Do they have to write an essay? Is there an interview?

Yes, it would probably mean that an Asian or white male would have to score much higher on the test than a Hispanic or black female, but as long the black/hispanic (some other race) scores enough or the minimum they consider acceptable (meaning, the child has a chance to succeed in the program); that would be ideal.

Exactly. Admissions protesters are always citing that they have higher scores and don't get in. That's just not how it works. Once you achieve a minimum standard on scores, everyone is qualified to get in (based on their score). Then, there are other factors to consider. Why is this so hard to understand?

hint they already do this

There just aren't a ton of black and hispanic students with even minimal standards/scores to make the cut

sorry woke/SJW there just aren't

Then that's a testament to how badly the schools that teach these students are failing them and the entire system needs to be revamped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TJ Parent here who supports reform.

I have additional thoughts on the FARMS rate.

First, I agree that the SES of families provides a tremendous admissions boost, whether that consists of educated parents who know how to game the system to affording extracurricular activities/enrichment for STEM.

But I also believe that some logistical aspects of TJ discourage FARMS families from applying and need to be looked at. For example, the longer school day means that it is very hard for kids to have after school jobs to contribute to family income or for kids to provide childcare for younger siblings. Second, the transportation (no late buses) means that kids can't participate in sports or band or clubs (outside of 8th period) unless their parents can come pick them up.

Not sure what to do about this, but think that every aspect of TJ needs a hard look to increase diversity.

Who cares about diversity I want the smartest kids in there period

It's a public school that should serve all segments of the population served by the county. If you want only certain people in class with your kids, go private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no interest in TJ, but why don’t they implement a similar application/acceptance system of Ivy League and other good colleges:

Have the test but also take into consideration background, personality, extracurricular activities etc? Do they have to write an essay? Is there an interview?

Yes, it would probably mean that an Asian or white male would have to score much higher on the test than a Hispanic or black female, but as long the black/hispanic (some other race) scores enough or the minimum they consider acceptable (meaning, the child has a chance to succeed in the program); that would be ideal.

Exactly. Admissions protesters are always citing that they have higher scores and don't get in. That's just not how it works. Once you achieve a minimum standard on scores, everyone is qualified to get in (based on their score). Then, there are other factors to consider. Why is this so hard to understand?

hint they already do this

There just aren't a ton of black and hispanic students with even minimal standards/scores to make the cut

sorry woke/SJW there just aren't

Then that's a testament to how badly the schools that teach these students are failing them and the entire system needs to be revamped.

ugh really are you really that simple

look the education gap exists because of parental choices and decisions from 0-3

It is not the school responsibility to close the gap, billions of dollars have been spent to close the gap with no results

Why, again it's parenting

From 0 to 3 are you actively engaging with the child, are you reading to it, etc or are you ignoring it, or even worse yelling and screaming at it.

The rural whites, suburban Hispanics and urban African Americans who fail to actually parent and worse actively negative parent are the cause of societal gaps. Schools can't fix the issue. People need to be actually willing to parent properly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting piece from a TJ grad who, in retrospect, thinks his successful siblings had a better experience at another high school.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/14/what-it-will-take-thomas-jefferson-high-school-change/%3foutputType=amp

That link didn't work for me but this did:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/14/what-it-will-take-thomas-jefferson-high-school-change/

[Anonymous]

Nothing surprises me when it comes to Virginia and racism. Clearly there is a reason why Asian students are accepted to TJ. Cause they are smart and work hard. He is clearly a racist! As if did not know that before. This is not meant to benefit black and Hispanics but white people. Once a racist, always a racist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no interest in TJ, but why don’t they implement a similar application/acceptance system of Ivy League and other good colleges:

Have the test but also take into consideration background, personality, extracurricular activities etc? Do they have to write an essay? Is there an interview?

Yes, it would probably mean that an Asian or white male would have to score much higher on the test than a Hispanic or black female, but as long the black/hispanic (some other race) scores enough or the minimum they consider acceptable (meaning, the child has a chance to succeed in the program); that would be ideal.

Exactly. Admissions protesters are always citing that they have higher scores and don't get in. That's just not how it works. Once you achieve a minimum standard on scores, everyone is qualified to get in (based on their score). Then, there are other factors to consider. Why is this so hard to understand?

hint they already do this

There just aren't a ton of black and hispanic students with even minimal standards/scores to make the cut

sorry woke/SJW there just aren't

Then that's a testament to how badly the schools that teach these students are failing them and the entire system needs to be revamped.

ugh really are you really that simple

look the education gap exists because of parental choices and decisions from 0-3

It is not the school responsibility to close the gap, billions of dollars have been spent to close the gap with no results

Why, again it's parenting

From 0 to 3 are you actively engaging with the child, are you reading to it, etc or are you ignoring it, or even worse yelling and screaming at it.

The rural whites, suburban Hispanics and urban African Americans who fail to actually parent and worse actively negative parent are the cause of societal gaps. Schools can't fix the issue. People need to be actually willing to parent properly.

It's sad you think it's ok for kids' fates to be determined by age three. I'm ok with the governor trying to help kids who are unfortunate enough to not have the proper exposure to intellectual stimulation starting at a young age. Hopefully any changes made will start way before TJ, but TJ should be changed to serve a broad cross section of the county's population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TJ Parent here who supports reform.

I have additional thoughts on the FARMS rate.

First, I agree that the SES of families provides a tremendous admissions boost, whether that consists of educated parents who know how to game the system to affording extracurricular activities/enrichment for STEM.

But I also believe that some logistical aspects of TJ discourage FARMS families from applying and need to be looked at. For example, the longer school day means that it is very hard for kids to have after school jobs to contribute to family income or for kids to provide childcare for younger siblings. Second, the transportation (no late buses) means that kids can't participate in sports or band or clubs (outside of 8th period) unless their parents can come pick them up.

Not sure what to do about this, but think that every aspect of TJ needs a hard look to increase diversity.

Who cares about diversity I want the smartest kids in there period

They aren't the smartest. They are the best prepped.