Focus On Fairness Brief

Introduction

An unfair process cannot yield fair results. New York City’s middle school (MS) and high school (HS) application processes entrench inequity by reinforcing disparities that exist and creating new barriers for under-resourced students and families. The application process enhances the known segregative effect of admissions policies like academic screening by adding yet another barrier to accessing highly sought after high school programs.

This brief offers clear, feasible recommendations to begin dismantling these barriers—recommendations that the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) can and should adopt for the 2022-2023 school year.

Download the Brief Here