<p>worth2try, I suspect that the relatively low "take up" rate at your middle school had a lot to do with the perception of the Bronx Science and Stuy as schools with relatively few black and Latino students and therefore "unwelcoming." Many students will pass up "opportunities" that they associate with social isolation or, worse, a hostile environment. IMO, one of the best ways to boost interest at the Middle School would be to have black or Latino students (or teachers) from neighboring Bronx Science do a recruiting visit. </p>
<p>You characterize the choice as being one of "affirmative action" versus the existing system. If by affirmative action you mean admissions criteria based on more than just a bizarrely scored entrance examination (see Post # 16) or where there is active outreach and recruitment of qualified students, then I'm all for it. </p>
<p>drosselmeier, that video is one of the most disturbing things I've seen lately.</p>