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[quote=Anonymous]Actually, what needs reform is the institutional racism that assumes black kids can't do math and need to be 'helped' along. It starts from teachers (usually white) assuming they can't do math or succeed academically and ends in the children and their parents believing the same thing.

It is not because of lack of interest on the student's part. Several studies document that black and Latino students sometimes have more positive attitudes toward mathematics and higher educational aspirations than do their white counterparts, especially in the early years of secondary school (Goldsmith, 2004; Strutchens & Silver, 2000). Yet students from these minority groups are less likely than white students to complete advanced high school mathematics classes (National Center for Education Statistics, 2004; Teitelbaum, 2003), classes that are crucial prerequisites for admission to competitive colleges and for career success.

Ethnic minority students' opportunities are limited because of others' perceptions of their ability to do mathematics. School and teacher practices that hold minority students back from doing advanced mathematics abound (Walker, 2003). For example, in a school at which students' grades were evaluated at the end of each quarter to determine which students should be moved into higher math courses, a black student who excelled in her general-level algebra course was not moved up. Her teacher justified this decision by saying she needed this student to remain in the general-level course because she was a good role model for other students in this predominantly black and Latino class.

“Many researchers have identified successful teachers of African American students as "warm demanders." James Vasquez used the term to identify teachers whom students of color said did not lower their standards and were willing to help them. Warm demanders expect a great deal of their students, convince them of their own brilliance, and help them to reach their potential in a disciplined and structured environment.” ― (Delpit, "Multiplication Is for White People")

What is required is a way for all students' mathematical ability and academic interest to be nurtured at a young age and for teachers, parents and institutions to believe in their academic ability, move them into advanced classes and help their intellect soar. Instead, the TJ Lottery perpetuates the insulting stereotype that black and hispanic students can't succeed academically and need to be 'lotteried' into TJ.  Shame![/quote]

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