These kids are going to get chewed up when the reach the real world.
The “real world” for this kid is going to be the streets of Southie, and maybe a counter job at McDonalds. He doesn’t have the mental horsepower to manage middle school, much less an actual salaried job. Maybe with his size, the school system is figuring on getting him to high school, where he can be scouted by some sports franchise. But yes, most “socially promoted” kids, even if they do have some brains, aren’t going to be prepared for a work environment where they are actually expected to produce.
No they will be on welfare or prison and it will be our fault.