Thank you for your coverage of the Newton School Committee council races this year, as in https://www.newtonbeacon.org/school-committee-candidates-talk-multi-level-classrooms-and-more/.

I would like to add some important context and nuance around my commentary on the practice of automatic enrollments. This discussion came in the context of providing alternative means to multi-leveling for closing achievement gaps and resolving racial disproportionalities in access to higher level courses.

Research shows that setting appropriately high expectations of learners and switching to automatic enrollment in advanced classes for objectively qualified students can help improve all students’ outcomes—and equity.

This approach allows for opting-out if necessary, but it is better than opt-in or more discretionary systems. It uses a common objective standard (e.g., performance on end of year tests) to ensure readiness for higher level coursework while helping to reduce human bias that research shows can influence decisions on who gets to access advanced courses.

Additionally, automatic enrollment can help students realize their full potential and overcome lack of role models, encouragement, or access to parental advocacy. Exploring such policies can help Newton close achievement gaps while simultaneously ensuring appropriate rigor and productive challenge for all students.

Victor Lee

Candidate for School Committee, Ward 8