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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After months of debate, the Boston School Committee voted to overhaul the admissions process for the city's exam schools, to help level the playing field across different socio-economic backgrounds.
It was after 10 p.m., on Wednesday night, when the unanimous vote came in that gave lower-income students a better chance of getting into the city's exam schools.
This is considered to be the biggest overhaul of the city's exam school admissions process in more than two decades.
City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo showed his support for considering a student's socio-economic background in all admissions decisions, as well as their academic performance.
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"When you even that playing field, those folks who have been receiving an unjust extra receive a fare entrance just like everybody else," said Arroyo.
Among the changes under the new policy, grades carry more weight. This means grades make up 70% of the composite score for admission with an entrance exam making up the rest.
Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang spoke out in support. "Those who face greater challenges, in systemic or historic disadvantages, need to have the playing field leveled," said Tang.
In addition, students will now be sorted into eight tiers based on their socio-economic status. This is meant to lower the chance that a low-income student would compete against an affluent one.
WBZ News Radio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) Reports:
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