The District 15 diversity pilot approved by the mayor and the chancellor in September is a valiant project! I do have some questions though:

What are the metrics being used to prove this is a successful venture? How do we prove this is beneficial for the students’ progress and not just a publicity stunt?

For example, as great as this may be, how do we account for confounding variables such as effect of new commute times on the students? Also, if you’re taking the best from the schools to transplant into District 15, how will that affect the schools that they’re taken from?

Will the absence of these students negatively impact the previous school’s community? If grades/attendance are not factors as it said in the article, how might students benefit from increased pressure?

As a school psychologist, I don’t worry as much about demographics as I do about the individual. A negative experience could have profound effects as we pat ourselves on the back.

Matt Nordenhold, CSE 2, the Bronx (via Facebook)