EDU Trending: Undermining Equity
Since when does a school achieve “equity” by eliminating Honors classes for all ninth and tenth grade students?
That is what happened recently at the high school in Culver City (a suburb of Los Angeles).
At Culver City High School (CCHS), educators decided that AP placement should be in direct correlation to the
percentage of students in each racial group. For example, because 37% of the CCHS student body is Hispanic,
37% of the 12th grade AP courses should be Hispanic as well. Since that was not the case, they shut down the
Honors program, avoiding what they deemed was an inequitable AP opportunity.
Following this line of thought, placement in Honors and AP classes could be based on demographics of gender, religion, or zodiac sign. It may be well-intentioned. It is assuredly a misguided interpretation of equity, undermining its meaning and principles. For the record:
Equity means equal opportunity, impartial fairness, freedom from bias, and justice for everyone.
Parents and students are outraged. Some note that such policy is a slippery slope to watered down curriculum. But the bottom line is that at CCHS all students who seek the rigor and rewards of Honors and AP programs are being deprived. That is anything but equity.
At school, each student cannot expect equal amounts of homework (teachers decide), guaranteed first choice of electives (based on available seats and your schedule), the right to be varsity quarterback or cheerleader (earned with talent, hard work, and sportsmanship). Yet these are examples of equity.
What students can and should expect, whatever their race, religion, gender… is the support and help they need to learn, build confidence, pursue their dreams, and achieve their best potential. They should be told that Honors and AP classes are available to them and, if they want to participate, what the requirements and expectations are for doing well.
To this end, adults inspire, teach, listen, discuss, and motivate. Students - unencumbered by percentages pigeon-holing them on a pie chart - contribute hard work and personal ambition. Individual opportunity. Individual decision. Individual commitment. Equity.
News for Your Views: The Choice Is Yours
Rather than choosing one news article each month for sharing and venting, I am turning the controls over to you. Of the three to five articles offered each month, I hope you find some that are important or interesting for you, your family and students. If you have comments to share, please send them to: merle@merleschell.com Include Unpacking Education in the subject box. Using first names only, I will post some of your thoughts the following month. Thanks, and enjoy.
Will AI be the supreme and only knowledge guru? The author hypothesizes “…when used as
intended, AI will stymie learning, knowledge, and inquiry” and reflect only the beliefs and
biases of those in control. Sound familiar?
Do you think AI will replace our human ability to think critically and express independent views?
How can we keep AI in check?
Ignorance is no excuse for hate. Why is there an intersection of D.E.I. and sharpening antisemitism
against Jewish students? How can we make a course correction that enlightens and protects all our children?
No excuses? Yes, please. The strictestpublic school in the U.K. produces top-ranking student results.
How do they do it? What can we learn?
What price chocolate? Commodity or luxury? Why? How much would you pay for a favorite chocolate bar or a gift box of ‘fancy’ chocolate goodies?
Question of the Day: Who We Are
Fictional writing often reflects authors’ personal experiences and observations of people and things around them. This is true of “Four Skinny Trees” whose author is:
Roald Dahl
Sandra Cisneros
Julia Alvarez
Shel Silverstein
Amy Tan
For the correct answer, go to www.merleschell.com/blog/ferocious-roots
From Me to You: Good News
Sending good wishes to all who are celebrating Easter, Ramadan, or Passover.
Personally speaking, I am proud to announce the April publication of my new book:
Ten Things Teens Can Do
to take control, love yourself, and find joy. plus 13 journal prompts to help you get to where you want to be.
Available on AMAZON
Check in April for videos on:
Facebook @Merle-Schell
Instagram @merle.schell
TikTok @merle.schell
YouTube @ MerleR.Schell
