Reply to Another article about the magnet programs in Washington Post

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[quote=Anonymous]The way I read MCPS's report, they are looking to increase applications from qualified minorities. Not sure what all the white "reverse racism" comments are about.

While not necessarily addressed in the report in length, I am definitely in favor of expanding the acceptance criteria to make it more inclusive for minorities of color.  I find the argument that doing so would be "dumbing down" the program to be offensive. POC live a different reality than whites (or even ethnic whites, like me). I didn't believe this before I started teaching. Now I am fierce supporter of such ideas.

There are so many smart, qualified minorities who should be in gifted programs, but aren't. The reasons are plentiful, but IMO they are mostly rooted in systemic and structural societal factors that are very hard to solve in our current environment. From my personal experience, I have found that many black and brown kids, particularly those from low income families, have low self esteem as it relates to academics, and actually do not believe enough in themselves to think they can compete. I have found parents to be very engaged to the degree that can be, but they do not know how to navigate "the system" that is public education or how to best position to their kid to succeed. I have also witnessed countless times, at different levels of schooling, how certain teachers will have lower expectations for young black kids. Especially boys.

People make it seem like we are all born and start the race of life at the same starting line. We don't. And its not even just about SES. Across the board from education to the legal system, POC are treated unequal. I cannot begin to understand how this impacts communities of color, but I do know that they are clearly at a disadvantage in this country from birth. I have no problems with trying to help level the playing field.

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