Selective Schools

The March 19 issue of Crain’s brings up an issue that is certainly not specific to Chicago: the competition for slots in magnet/selective high schools.

For parents who have been committed to public schools since their child started first grade, the thought of private-school kids clinching coveted spots in selective-enrollment high schools is infuriating. Yet, private-school parents feel they have every right to go public: After all, they’ve been taxed to support the public schools while also paying expensive tuition.

For a number of interesting takes on this article, visit the always interesting District 299 blog and read the comments.

Much of the public debate over selective enrollment schools seems to be among parents and administrators.  Do teachers need a voice on this issue?

To generalize beyond the smaller issue of whether private school 8th graders should be taking slots in public selective high schools, I’m wondering if, as a teacher, the presence of selective enrollment schools in your district impacts your work. Have you consciously chosen to work in a selective school (or chosen NOT to work in one)?

Labels: Conversations