Detracking of honors English moves forward
Malia Kabwe, Staff Writer
On March 3, the school board hosted a meeting in which the English department explained the reasoning behind the removal of 9th and 10th grade Honors English classes starting next school year. District Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati opened the discussion by mentioning the disproportionality of certain aspects of the schooling system. He then explained that the English department has analyzed their teaching experiences and widely decided that there was a need to detract the honors classes. Samo Principal Antonio Shelton introduced the teachers and staff that were attending the meeting from Santa Monica High School. Honors English teachers Kyle knohler, Sara Rodriguez and Dana Danesi attended the meeting along with H House Principal Tristan Komlos. English department chair Nathan Fulcher also attended, but had to come later in the meeting due to a prior engagement. Shelton then expressed his own opinions on the changing courses.
“Moving to a system that does not segregate students on ninth and tenth grade English will provide a platform for increased rigor, encourage students of all backgrounds to excel in an integrated environment, and remove barriers that hinder students performing at their full potential,” Shelton said.
A short presentation explaining the reasons for eliminating honors English was shared. The presentation addressed the common concern of if the absence of honors English would affect students’ ability to get into competitive colleges. According to the presentation, Honors English classes are not recognized as honors-level or weighted in any way by the CSU and UC system. College Counselor Ernesto Flores expressed that it is likely out-of-state colleges will assess students based on the perceived rigor of Santa Monica High School. Komolos explained that although progress has been made, there are still a disproportionate number of BIPOC students in P-level classes. While 50% of Samo’s students are BIPOC, 70% of P level classes are BIPOC students. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year ninth and tenth English classes will all be raised to an equal college preparatory level unless accommodations or Specialized Academic Instruction are needed.
After the presentation, the English department opened the discussion to questions from parents and board members. Some parents expressed that they feel differentiation and honors classes are the reason for the enrichment of Samo. Parents also expressed worries about the board not valuing high-achieving students. However, Samo student Danielle Lopez (’22) had different thoughts about detracking English classes.
“I have been fortunate enough to have counselors and teachers support my enrollment in advanced courses; however, that is often not the case for other students of color. I have witnessed a widening achievement gap within our students because of the separation of them using this honors system. This construct has enabled inequity among students of color and of lower socioeconomic statuses who are not shown the honors and AP pathway,” Lopez said.
Parents, teachers and students joined Zoom to discuss honors English with the SMMUSD school board in their March 3 meeting.