The Illusion of Diversification: Debunking the Myth of Lowering Admission Standards at NYC's Elite High Schools
Progressives such as Bill de Blasio and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have pushed for changes to the admission standards of New York’s top public high schools, arguing that lowering these standards is necessary to achieve diversification. However, this approach fails to address the underlying problems and may end up doing more harm than good.
De Blasio's Original Proposal
De Blasio’s proposal to change the admission process for New York’s elite high schools is rooted in a clear critique of the current system. According to his original op-ed, the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), with which students are currently assessed, is flawed and creates a roadblock to both justice and academic excellence. De Blasio proposed a new method that would admit students based on their class rank at their middle school and their statewide standardized test scores.
Current Disparity in Admissions
The current system, which relies solely on the SHSAT, fails to produce a fair or balanced outcome. In an article by The New York Times, it is stated that out of 5000 admissions offers, less than 2% of black students and 6% of Latino students receive offers. This is striking when the city’s public schools are known to have two out of every three eighth-graders as either Latino or black. There is an even more pronounced geographical disparity. Half of the students admitted to specialized high schools in the previous year came from just 21 middle schools. For instance, only 14 percent of students at Bronx Science come from the Bronx, reflecting a severe lack of representation.
The Problem with a Single-Test System
A single high-stakes exam as a sole criterion for admission is inherently flawed. Some students excel in standardized tests and achieve high grades, while others, equally talented, may struggle with them. This narrow focus on test scores can result in the exclusion of bright students who do not perform well under time pressure. Moreover, this approach unfairly disadvantages students from lower-income families who may not have the resources to access test preparation tutors and courses.
De Blasio’s Suggestion for Positive Change
De Blasio does not advocate for lowering the standards, but for changing the method of student selection. He suggests that top-flight public high schools should be fair and reflect the highest academic standards by considering a variety of indicators, such as class rank and standardized test scores. This approach acknowledges that the best minds and talents may not consistently reflect well on a single test. It aligns with the principles of top-level colleges and graduate schools, which do not solely rely on a single test to evaluate prospective students.
Critique of Lowering Standards
Lowering admission standards would not only undermine the elite status of these schools but also fail to address the core issues at hand. Instead, it would misallocate resources and diminish the overall quality of education. By focusing on a more comprehensive and merit-based admission process, these schools can continue to maintain their academic excellence while becoming more representative of New York City’s diverse student population.
Myths About Diversification
Several myths surround the current debate, including the notion that lowering admission standards is the answer to achieving diversity. Debunking these myths is crucial for ensuring that reforms are made to genuinely improve educational equity and opportunity.
Conclusion
Bill de Blasio’s proposal for reforming the admission process at New York’s top public high schools is a valid and necessary step towards creating more equitable and representative educational institutions. By avoiding the trap of lowering standards and instead focusing on a fair and inclusive selection process, these schools can continue to serve as beacons of academic excellence in the city.