Reply to Another article about the magnet programs in Washington Post

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
What makes you angry? What makes you feel racist? And why does it make you feel racist?[/quote]

Makes me angry that they would even remotely consider getting rid of these programs or changing them to admit a less qualified but more racially diverse set of students.

There seems to be an implication that the current system is racist.  So if I support the current system I am racist.

There are many reasons these programs are not racially diverse.   Nothing will be solved by gutting these programs.     Kids that truly need these programs and are thriving in them will be the ones hurt in the process.[/quote]

Many southern states have used different criteria for disadvantaged children of all races. In the city where I used to work, children from homes viewed as "at risk" needed to score at WISC Full Scale Score of 115 (or either a Verbal or Nonverbal score of 130), while children from homes viewed as not at risk, needed a Full Scale Score of 130 to qualify. We felt that if a child could come from the local public housing community and a limited educational background yet earn a Full Scale Score of 115 (without all the prepping that many DCUM posters say they do), then that child deserved a spot. [/quote]
How do they know who comes from an "at risk" home?  If the kid qualifies for "FARMS"?

I don't doubt that there are kids who are bright in lower income families (I was one), but if you admit kids with lower scores, and overall lower academic achievement, doesn't that risk having to either lower the bar in the classroom or the kids won't be able to keep up.

This is kind of what they found with lower income college kids from middle-of-nowhere towns.  When they get to the elite colleges, they can't keep up because the level of expectation between their HS (though they did very well) and an elite college is miles apart.

If these kids don't do as well as other kids in the home ES (meaning that they get lower scores), then without lowering the bar in the magnet classrooms, some of these kids will struggle all throughout.  I am not normally a parent that worries that much about a kid's self esteem, but in this case, I would be concerned that many of such kids are URM, already have that perceived stigma against them, and then they can't keep up with the rigors of a magnet.  That just fuels a stereotype, and batters their self confidence.

I would think it's better for such kids to stay in their home schools and shine, be the big fish in the little pond, so to speak.  I actually feel that way about one of my DCs who I don't think will make it to the magnet.[/quote]

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