I agree that skipping does create some problems. However, both Mr. Stone and Andrew presented excellent reasons to keep grade skipping as an option.
I don't think interviews should be introduced into the admissions process. That will only discourage shy students from applying. I can't remember if there were questions on the teacher reference forms about maturity and behavior, but maybe these issues can be addressed more directly in the forms that teachers are asked to fill out. The admissions committee already takes some care to consider this issue, but maybe it should be given even more emphasis. I would like to add that it's not always the youngest students who are the most immature!
The real problem is simply that the local middle schools are so terrible. If so many kids didn't feel the need to escape, then skipping would be rare. Ideally, I would prefer that the subbie year be discontinued, and the class size for grades 9-12 increased. There are too many qualified students who are not accepted. But as long as so many bright students are miserable in middle school, the subbie year should remain and skipping should be an option.
I'm a Uni parent
I agree that skipping does create some problems. However, both Mr. Stone and Andrew presented excellent reasons to keep grade skipping as an option.
I don't think interviews should be introduced into the admissions process. That will only discourage shy students from applying. I can't remember if there were questions on the teacher reference forms about maturity and behavior, but maybe these issues can be addressed more directly in the forms that teachers are asked to fill out. The admissions committee already takes some care to consider this issue, but maybe it should be given even more emphasis. I would like to add that it's not always the youngest students who are the most immature!
The real problem is simply that the local middle schools are so terrible. If so many kids didn't feel the need to escape, then skipping would be rare. Ideally, I would prefer that the subbie year be discontinued, and the class size for grades 9-12 increased. There are too many qualified students who are not accepted. But as long as so many bright students are miserable in middle school, the subbie year should remain and skipping should be an option.