Description:

Specialized high schools for gifted students are receiving a lot of criticism these days because many tend to admit a disproportionate number of white and Asian students. But for many of these schools, admissions is based primarily on an unbiased entrance exam. If black and Hispanic students are performing less successfully on these entrance exams, does that mean the exams themselves are racist or does it point to a deeper problem? What is the role of specialized high schools in American education today? How can these schools offer talented students from all backgrounds a fair shot at success? In this episode, Naomi and Ian take up these questions and more. They discuss how disparate admissions rates point to a fundamental failure of neighborhood schools to offer disadvantaged kids the chance at a good education. And they explain why school choice can help to address this root problem. 

Resources:

Exam-school admissions come under pressure amid pandemic | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Education Next

Show notes:

00:30 | Why are specialized schools are coming under pressure?

01:30 | Are school admission tests equitable?

04:00 | Why neighborhood schools are failing to prepare disadvantaged students for success

09:20 | Can complicated admissions formulas actually create ‘affirmative action’ for white kids?

10:25 | What are the implications for school choice?

15:20 | How should school leaders move forward?