Reply to school without walls essay prompt

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
Equity is literally the opposite of merit. And used in the way it is used now, it actually reduces opportunity for black kids because it covers up the actual deficits of the system. Open access to Walls wouldn’t do anything for DC kids except remove academic preparation for the kids who need it - including black kids. Somehow Banneker doesn’t shy away from expecting a lot from DC black kids … [/quote]

I disagree. True equity means ensuring outcomes are fair. This means affording opportunities to those who work just as hard (sometimes harder) but do not have the same privileges as others. It is common knowledge that many DCUM families pay for private tutors, psychologists, math classes, science camps, etc. for their children to help them grow but also help them get ahead. I think that is wonderful. But for the kids who don't have that support or those means, I do not think they should be penalized. If given the opportunity, many times they will far surpass the wealthier trained kids.

I personally know several incredibly smart kids who have had little to no training. Given the chance, they would easily outshine anyone. People who work with a diverse group of kids know this to be true. We want to ensure that those kids are not overlooked. It is fairness. And even more it seems unjust to bypass the more capable kid.

What you negatively refer to as equity, I see as opportunity. If your child is affected by it, know that there are many smart, capable, brilliant incredible kids on the sidelines who are thrilled to be offered an opportunity to play the game. Instead of feeling small about it, you should help your kid appreciate their own talent and smarts WHILE applauding the talents and smarts of others.

No one should be using "equity" as an excuse for any negative educational outcomes for their child. That is the ultimate scapegoating.  [/quote]

The problem with your argument is that HS is too late. If DC wants more W7 and 8 kids in Walls then it needs gifted & tracking in elementary. Yet who is adamantly opposed to that? Right, the equity crowd. The fact is academic skills are not evenly distributed, and school systems need to prepare the future doctors & engineers. [/quote]

By 9th grade kids who are smart but can’t comprehend what they’re reading will not do well at an application HS.  And the kids will realize they aren’t on the same level as their peers which is a big blow to them when they’ve been told they’re the top student at their middle school.  We have to push stronger academics in elementary.[/quote]

Yes. And we need to maximize potential but not at the expense of having classrooms taught at the highest level too. Some kids can’t get there and that’s fine. It’s not TJ or bust. [/quote]

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