Tag Archive for District 15 Parents for Middle School Equity

photo by A. Ferraro

A Brooklyn Middle School Shift

I recently spoke to parent-teacher coordinators and guidance counselors from various elementary schools and discovered a promising opportunity for District 15 parents. This year there has been a shift in 5th-grade students placed at several schools I term “Options for All.” Such schools offer parents a chance both to reform our segregated middle schools and create more “choice.” But I’m… Read more →

The Exeter Whale (courtesy of Nick Lam)

Part 3 – The “Hunger Games” vs. The Hunger Banquet

Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process.  The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds. Even in District 15, which has many “choice” schools, the middle school application process is truly grim. The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games” – Part 1 explored those grim aspects, while Part 2,… Read more →

Reforming the District 15 “Hunger Games”

Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process.  The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds.  If you read The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games”, Part 1, you understand that this application process is truly grim.  Now, I will introduce you to District 15 Parents for Middle School Equity… Read more →