Reply to Tell me about your *average* student at W-L

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]In general, it is good to challenge your kid and get them into the classes that they will be learning the most even if getting Bs. W-L on-level classes in 9th grade are a mix of motivated but scared kids combined with tough kids with a “background” + motivated disadvantaged kids (kids who speak a different language at home or have a significant special need). In later years of HS, regular classes trend more towards the second two groups as the first group is a little bored in the regular classes and moves up to the intensified classes. There are lots of great teachers in the school and some regular classes have two teachers for special ed kids or ESOL. That means that the class can actually be better managed than a regular class packed with kids without disadvantages. At the same time, there is more to do because the teachers have to teach to different levels in one room.

Being in a class with motivated but disadvantaged kids (ESOL, special needs) [b]will make your child a better person by developing empathy.[/b] And ask yourself seriously if your child will gravitate to the tough kids with a background or if they are a risk taker. If the answer is likely no, then you don’t need to worry about the kids with a “background”. Your kid will be scared of them and avoid. [b]Your kid will provide a model for them of working hard through challenges[/b]. Regardless, it will all be fine if your kid talks to you and you have a sense of what is going on. [/quote]

So cringe. [/quote]

It is really cringe to assume that this kid will be a model for those "disadvantaged" ESOl and special needs. EL and students with disabilities work exceptionally hard and are super motivated. They will probably be a model for a lazy white kid. [/quote]

This is OP. To be clear I fully agree - if nothing else our experience thus far has challenged my biases and preconceptions. And it has also fully demonstrated that one of the issues with schools in poverty is that the students there to learn (black, white, at risk, ESOL) suffer when the school cannot control behavior and cannot provide the correct level of instruction to meet each kid where they are at. I talk a lot with parents and grandparents in my neighborhood and it would be extremely naive to believe that it is only white/wealthy parents concerned about this. I happen to have the resources to move my kid but not everyone is so fortunate. Kids also differ in their vulnerability to this kind of stuff. [/quote]

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