I have 20+ years in as an urban high school teacher. And you're right about that. But at least we had the honors classes. You had to make the grade to get into one, and they really were oases of peace and learning.
Then a couple of years ago central administration decided to open these classes up to any student, no restrictions. This was done to try to balance the racial makeup of the classes.
So we ended up with lots of kids (black and white) who weren't qualified - by aptitude or attitude - to be in an honors class. I'm sure you could guess the results.
“You had to make the grade to get into one, and they really were oases of peace and learning.”
Here’s a thought, the entire school should be a oasis of peace and learning. Those who seek to disturb and upset those who attend school to get an education should be eliminated by whatever means necessary. Public schools today seek to defend the lowest common denominator in attendance. That has to change.