Reply to Are AP-type classes racist?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PP, in your experience what do you think is the solution for the first problem? Sounds like it helps to let students choose whether they want to join advanced classes? [/quote]

Yes, all students should be able to choose.

I think it is really important though to avoid creating support classes just for students of color. I think support classes should either be mandatory for all students in a particular advanced course or they should be an elective open to all students. I’ve seen some schools really misuse AVID and other programs. Some mean well, but they end up giving the impression that AVID students aren’t as capable and meanwhile, there’s a similar support class that only has white and Asian students enrolled. [/quote]

I'm white but came from a low income family with no education.   When I went to high school, I could choose to enroll in AP classes.  I didn't have to get permission or have a certain GPA.   And I chose a few here and there.   Not an overloaded schedule like many kids do today.

They were by far the most enriching, thought-provoking classes I took in school.   I remain deeply grateful for being able to take those classes.

Among my fellow AP classmates, I got the lowest grades.   I did not take any of the exams because I didn't feel I had mastered the material.   By the end of high school, however, my grades were better.  I went from Bs and Cs to As and Bs.  I finally "got" how to study and how to write.    If I hadn't taken those courses, I don't think I would have been as confident entering college.

I can't speak to what it's like as a child of color.   They may or may not have my income challenges.   But they also stick out.  I did not. I could hide in my whiteness (same as everyone else) and my quietness.    But damn, please give them the opportunity.  Let them choose.  They know themselves better than any of us do.[/quote]

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