Anonymous wrote:Why does one school have to serve 8 counties (or whatever it is). Build more schools for smart kids.

Anonymous wrote:https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/BPLQKV69B096/$file/FCPS%20final%20report%2005.05.20.pdf

Take a look at recommendation number five in the report:

“ Change perceptions that the path to academic success only runs through the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology. A major motivating factor for parent over-involvement in the AAP identification process is the perception that future academic (and life) success is primarily attainable via attendance at the division’s selective high school, and that learning in a Level IV center is highly predictive of admission to the high school. Many talented students attend other FCPS high schools and go on to achieve admission to prestigious universities and success in life. Sharing those stories more widely and enthusiastically may help counter the current perceptions of the selective high school as the only path for families wanting their talented child to be prepared for college and workforce success.

Further, a school division the size of FCPS can support multiple selective high schools, lessening the parent focus on selection for the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology High School of Science and Technology. For example, each region could have a selective high school and/or selective high schools could be created with a range of disciplinary foci (e.g., medical science, government and international studies, performing and visual arts). Other large districts (e.g., Boston) have multiple selective high schools and have had success recently in diversifying their student populations.”

Multiple selective high schools in FCPS could relieve some of the zero sum approach advocated here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's racist to grant admission based on race. The admission process should be race blind.

On so many pages of the similar threads, I've never seen messages from black people saying how passionate their kids are about math/science and how their dream was to get into TJ - yet, they were rejected. It doesn't seem to be the problem. However, I saw messages saying "my black (Hispanic) child is a great student, very good at math, but we are not interested in TJ because we don't want our child to be the only black/Hispanic student in the classroom." Aren't these statements racist? Our white DD goes to TJ and is often times the only white female in the classroom. It doesn't bother us for a single second. She has a lot of Asian/Indian friends, boys and girls.

As far as you know this is an anonymous board. If you know poster's races, then maybe Jeff owes us an explanation.

However, just because your white daughter has completely fit in with the crowd, doesn't make other students, who need a bit of a more specific network, racist.

Also, there is a stigma that follows AA and Latino kids, and that their admission is race based. So, it's only natural that they would find comfort in numbers. Also, they may be completely not racist, but they don't feel they are able to cope with the stigma, so they rather miss the opportunity all together.

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's racist to grant admission based on race. The admission process should be race blind.

On so many pages of the similar threads, I've never seen messages from black people saying how passionate their kids are about math/science and how their dream was to get into TJ - yet, they were rejected. It doesn't seem to be the problem. However, I saw messages saying "my black (Hispanic) child is a great student, very good at math, but we are not interested in TJ because we don't want our child to be the only black/Hispanic student in the classroom." Aren't these statements racist? Our white DD goes to TJ and is often times the only white female in the classroom. It doesn't bother us for a single second. She has a lot of Asian/Indian friends, boys and girls.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In order to implement our diversity goals, we have to implement racism.

Nicely put.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I said it in the other thread and I’ll say it again. There is a reasonable and even compelling public interest in increasing the number of underrepresented minorities at a STEM magnet high school, funded entirely by tax payers. This is basic stuff. Cultural silos should not be allowed to form in public high schools. If that means white and Asian kids (Males too), who are historically overrepresented in the field have it harder, tough cookies. It’s not actually “harder” if you think about what other populations have to overcome to even have a shot in STEM. If you don’t think STEM fields have a diversity problem, I can’t help you. You have no idea what you’re talking about. We need diversity if we want innovation.

TJ is not funded entirely by taxpayers.

So what? If you consider PTSA contributions, neither are most schools.

Stop making silly arguments. TJ is a county-owned school primarily funded by county taxpayers, even if it gets additional payments from other localities, the state, and private donors. And it is the county and state that will decide its future, not some alum or parent giving money to the TJPF.