State Lawmakers Push Bill to Change Specialized High School Process

LESLIE BRODY

The New York City teachers union says it has several state lawmakers who will help push a bill that would change the extremely competitive process for getting into eight specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant High School.

Backers say the proposal will make admissions more fair at schools where few black and Hispanic students gain entry. Now applicants must get the best scores on a 2.5-hour multiple choice test in math and verbal skills to get in, and critics say the exam gives a big advantage to those who can afford test prep.

The proposal would require a more holistic review that would include grade point averages and state test scores, as well as the current admissions exam. Such a process would be more akin to applications at many colleges.

http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/06/09/state-lawmakers-push-bill-to-change-specialized-high-school-process/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=WSJ_NY_NY_Blog