Chancellor Richard Carranza's goal of integrating the New York City Public Schools has run into fierce resistance from middle class parents, especially Asian parents. Except for a couple of District middle schools, the Chancellor has been unable to convince parents to agree to his proposals.
One exception is a Brooklyn elementary school. PS 9 which will eliminate their "Gifted and Talented" program to help foster a truly integrated classroom. While the school's goal is a worthy cause, the reality is that it will ultimately fail as middle class families will send their children to schools that have a "Gifted and Talented"program or move to another school district. The question is will the elimination of the "Gifted and Talented" program lead to middle class flight? I believe it will if the school really goes through wit their ill-conceived program of integrating the classroom.
The bottom line is the school may win the battle but lose the war on integration.