Thread by @ycinnewyork

The argument in NYC’s specialized HS was on a single test #SHSAT. However the attacks on all the other schools around the country made it crystal clear that it was never about a single test. 1/

The single test has been used since the 1930s. It was used when Hecht Calandra was past in 1971. The largest of the 3 HS was majority black and Hispanic for over two decades using this single test. This single test was never a problem until Asians became majority. 2/

With immigration picking up in the 1970s, poor, non-Engl speaking Asian students became a growing group relying on public schools. To escape the zip code of their immig communities, they aspired for these #SHSAT schools. 3/

The immigrant mentality was strong and k-8 education was pretty good. Without much outside help, many Asian kids got into the specialized HS. I was one of of these kids in 1981 where prepping from a Barron’s guide was sufficient. 4/

We know now that NYC education has been on the decline. GT, SP/honors, tracking and nurturing of accelerated programs were decimated esp in B/H communities. 5/

There were notable feeder schools in high Asian communities where additional emphasis on supporting kids outside of the schools became a community norm. Mostly to compensate the lowering standards and the desire to compete at the HS level w/ non immigrants. 6/

Tutoring centers grew out of the need and desires of communities that wanted their services. Immigrant families couldn’t do much at home so they relied on established centers for help. 7/

The extra studying that students do as part of the preparation for tests have now called “cheating”. Paying for tutoring has been disparaged as “privileged”. 8/

It’s easy to speak out when the name calling is gross and far from the truth. I’m calling it out for what it is: anti-Asian racism masquerading as social justice. 9/

Policies that have the intent of killing opportunities for immigrants and specifically Asians, are not just. They are simply ugly and disgusting racism. 10/10