<p>In such cases, fut18000, wouldn't it be right to say that all should be "given encouragement to challenge themselves and excede expectations..."? I am certainly not in favor of reverse discrimination...</p>
<p>Effulgent, so you know, Italians are Caucasian. You do not need to say, "several white kids (including Italian)"...While there may be some darker Italians in southern Italy, they are classified as Caucasian, nonetheless. People from northern Italy are usually lighter in complexion, hair color, and eye color, but you would never question their being white. People in different areas of Europe have different complexions, hair colors, and appearances, but just so you know, they are classified as white.</p>
<p>I used to go to a middle school with mostly asians and even a bit more hispanics. honors classes comprised of asians and a few white people. there wasn't a single hispanic in honors. the principal was hispanic and some people thought she was racist against her own race.</p>
<p>IMO. It's not a matter of race. It's if people are willing to take the challenge. There is one group that works hard and care about their grades, and another that don't even give a damn about what classes they take.</p>
<p>mcz... I totally agree, I don't support reverse discrimination, including affirmative action, but this post is about why minorities aren't enrolled in challenging classes so I didn't feel the need to include those who are already there. Eva10127....I'm not sure what you're saying...</p>
<p>Well, my school is apprx. 20% hispanic. Yet, out of a class of 400 students. I'm the only hispanic in Honors classes...and I can prove it.</p>
<p>Eva10127 is saying that it depends on ones work ethic and aspirations that dictate what he/she will do with his/her life. Those that take the initiative to help themselves are those that succeed, while some, who just do not care, are the ones that do not...</p>
<p>people who mispell "segregation" should not write a thread on it.</p>
<p>I is too kool to spell any propa words.</p>
<p>It's bad enough we have colleges filling racial quotas, but don't even THINK of making k-12 start filling race quotas. If a person is not in an honors class it is NOT racism, it is purely because they aren't up to the challenge.</p>
<p>Is it the school's fault that you may be the only hispanic in the school up to the challenge? Absolutely not.</p>
<p>My school (an IB school) is segregated among both racial and economic lines.</p>
<p>It's horrible.</p>
<p>Seriously, I have never met a Hispanic, or Black student in upper level classes...Where are they? My math class isn't honors, but there are still no minorities.</p>
<p>i think that its partially an economic issue, partially a comfort issue. i think its very unfortunate. i think that the minorities in my school are uncomfortable (understandablely) taking classes where they will be the only hispanic/black/etc. minority in the class. im sure i would feel the same way. also, i think that the conception of ap classes is one of rich white kids who can afford to spend 82/ap test. the classes in my school have a connotation of being a little elitest and in their own realm. i would imagine that it would pretty hard for a minority w/ no friends in the class to be enthusiastic about taking the class, not to mention the actual work on top of it.</p>
<p>I agree ml41588. I got that same reaction from some of the people I talked too.</p>
<p>Well actually....and ironically; I have no minority friends...all are white and white. I enjoy all honors classes...</p>
<p>I find no excuse why an "URM" student would no be able to make friends with someone that's not his/her "race"</p>
<p>Anyone can afford $82 per AP test...right?</p>
<p>Well actually....and ironically; I have no minority friends...all are white and white. I enjoy all honors classes...I find no excuse why an "URM" student would no be able to make friends with someone that's not his/her "race"'</p>
<p>Um, one could say the same thing about a person who doesn't seem to be able to make friends with someone who is their own race.</p>
<p>"Anyone can afford $82 per AP test...right?"</p>
<p>Joking or is it that you don't happen to know any low income people?</p>
<p>stop playing the race card and suck it up.</p>
<p>the US = European nation.</p>
<p>it was never black/yellow/red in the first place.</p>
<p>just take what you want. we need minions.</p>
<p>we all get minority scholarships to drag our lousy ass out of the bowels.</p>
<p>In this case; Europe is considered "caucasian" right? Or "WHITE".</p>
<p>In a sense honors classes are a form of segregation, however, I feel that they are not necessarily a bad form of segregation. It's not forced. It separates those who are serious about school from those who are just screwing around. Now, you can debate if its racist against URMs as well, but that is beside the point. </p>
<p>I find it MUCH easier to learn in an honors environment, with people serious about learning. I've taken some non-honors classes, and the learning environment is absolutely horrible - apart from things like orchestra, no one is serious about learning. People just don't care.</p>
<p>Honors courses are a voluntary thing, they are extra work. It is your decision to take them. In my opinion, no one can be "forced" to take or not take an honors course. In fact, at our school, our teachers have little say in what students can or can't take. You may appeal teacher recommendations for courses.</p>
<p>On the topic of discouraging minorities from taking honors courses, I find it to be quite the opposite at our school. URMs are boosted as much as possible at our school. They are encouraged to join the gifted program. I know of several underqualified URMs that were boosted up to make the school look more diverse.</p>
<p>Blame what you want for the racial disparity in honors classes, but I feel there is no physical boundary separating minorities from excelling. There maybe mental boundaries, but overcoming boundaries is a essential part of life. I've had many people tell me "you can't do it," but I've almost always managed to prove them wrong.</p>
<p>agreed, sentient.</p>
<p>having been told multiple times that i cant do something, its too far beyond my ability all i can do is fail so theres no point in even trying. ive heard this in several different scenarios through out my life and ive managed work to succede every single time. So, i find absolutely no sympathy when people complain that <insert person="" group="" here=""> is discourgaged from attempting actions that they know are essential to success. suck it up. dealing with setbacks is a part of life.</insert></p>