What are They Doing?

I recently tried to help a young man get into RA who has had a difficult road. He was coming to us as a Senior, and he wanted to make sure that we put him in the 12th grade. After reviewing the transcript with Mr. Sciacca, we learned that he had only one English credit for his entire High School career. In addition, he did not fail English, he just didn't take it; yet, his school, which is a local public city school, continued to promote him. We came up with a plan for him, but it would include repeating the 11th grade and summer school. This was the only way for him to have the four required English credits. He did not want to go to 11th grade, so he went to another city school, where not only did they allow him to be a Senior, but they are letting him go home at 12:00 p.m. every day.

I am truly amazed at the state of the city system. This kid, even if he passes the exit exam, which I doubt he will be able to do, is not going to eligible for college. It is really sad. He is a tremendous basketball player, but he will never get the chance to play college ball, but the public system is not willing to tell him that. When I think about this, I get extremely angry, because this young man is being robbed of his future. It is a shame, and it is a disgrace!