How Do We Balance Equity with Academic Achievement?

In New York City public schools, the students who attend the specialized high schools are not reflective of the city’s demographics. Only 42% of specialized high school students are female. 70% of the New York City school population are African American and Latino students, but only 11% of students who attend specialized high schools are African American and Latino. Currently, African Americans are 28% of the population but, in 2015, only 10 black students gained acceptance to Stuyvesant High School out of 953 available spots. The only way to get admitted to these schools is through one exam taken in the fall of eighth grade.

How can this be so? Where are all the bright African American and Latino students? Why aren’t they represented in these selective schools?

Elaine PerlmanFebruary 6, 2016Comment

Food! Glorious Food!

Since September, I have been teaching 480 students each week about nutrition in four different public schools. My students range in age from seven to ten and they live in the South Bronx, Harlem and Crown Heights. They are a lovable bunch of cuties - inquisitive, lively and frequently surprised.

Why surprised? Hearing that most of the food you eat is unhealthy is a big surprise.