Article Reflection No. 5 (4/23/2022)

Article #5: Annals of Education: the Access Trap (What Happens When a Legendary Public High School Abandons Selective Admissions?)

Reflection:

Wow. I’ve never read this deeply about the pros and cons of lottery admission selections for a prestigious public high school, and through this read, my understanding of this topic has been enriched with various perspectives.

In his article, journalist Nathan Heller leads the reader through multiple interviews with Lowell High School’s teachers, students, as well as the academic progression of those randomly chosen to attend the school. However, a new, validly contentious issue arose as the San Francisco Board of Education had decided that the lottery system become permanent for Lowell high. Those who supported this decision argue that it paves a path towards equity—a path where students are not required to have precocious, high-level education, which often includes years of payment in the form of tutors and extracurricular activities. On the other hand, those who oppose this decision argue that the lottery system undermines the high-level students that have shaped its legacy. (Notable alumni include Rube Goldberg and Stephen Breyer.) They also argue that the random selection picks students who are unprepared for the rigorous academic demand of Lowell High School.

Both sides have valid points that emphasize on the convoluted strings of reasoning that have been intertwined in this interesting pattern. Although teachers expressed concern about failing freshmen (three times as many were failing), many who got an F rose their grade to a B range through thorough instruction. Because this shows how students (selected by the lottery) who were behind can also catch up substantially, the evidence supports pro-lottery: why not boost socio-economic equity and students’ academic growths at the same time? However, there is also looming apprehension about future incoming classes: how will they perform compared to the first lottery class?

Personally, I am leaning towards pro-lottery. With its encouraging staff, Lowell can help students shoot up academically, even if those students had been “below-average” in middle school and/or elementary school. But, I do understand that those who are unaccustomed to the stringent demands of Lowell High School may fold under the overwhelming pressure, bringing more harm than good. As a young student myself, I know that this situation may be much more complex than I perceive it to be. Despite this, I am glad to have expanded my knowledge on this category, especially because it pertains to the world today.

This quick summary and reflection does not include all the stitches and patterns the author weaves through his writing; it captures a mere gist of it. I highly recommend reading the entire article and plunging into the depths of equity in education when it comes to a prestigious public high school—a very interesting scenario.