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I am familiar with a public HS in a very diverse inner city that has a specific quota system to ensure diversity. To be clear, this is a magnate school known for 100% college acceptance rate, high number of AP courses, and multiple state and national recognition. To apply, 8th graders have to take the PSAT (this national test is normally given to HS juniors). The students are not “geniuses” by any means, and the curriculum, though accelerated and likely more challenging due to higher expectations, is not very different from the city-wide standard.

The quota system is as follows: 25% Black, 25% White, 25% Hispanic, and 25% Other (usually Asian, specifically Indian and Pacific Islander). Typically, the competition makes it difficult for “White” and “Other” students, with a larger number of them not making the top 25% of their respective groups. Nevertheless, by senior year, “Black” and “Hispanic” percentages have decreased and “White” and “Other” percentages have increased due to dropouts, expulsion, and transfers.

Due to the desirable nature of the academic program, anti-intellectualism is non-existent. If anything, there is more elitism against other public schools in the district. The socio-economic levels were quite diverse Due to an inner city during a period of 20 years of slow gentrification, the socio-economic levels were quite diverse and not always an accurate predictor of academic performance.

As for diversity, many have friends that cross racial boundaries, while others stick with their clique, which are often defined by race. Though, one can’t ignore the many groups that are defined by their school activities and sports, which are often cross-racial.

While the quota system is a bit strange, the school’s application process is highly competitive, pulling students from various neighborhoods, some as far as a 45-60 min bus ride. In applying, students and families were readily accepting that they were being forced into a quota system, where Asian students who rank 30%, may be more intelligent than the Hispanic students who rank in the 25%.

Would it make sense to apply the quota system city-wide for DC? Would it be imperative that each school have a specific track (college-prep; math and science; vocational)?

by cmc on Jul 23, 2012 12:56 pm • link • report