Race to the Bottom

[Rob C]

You wouldn't want to make it up:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15042670.Scotland_s_top_universities_urged_to_drop_entry_rules_in_key_courses_for_disadvantaged_students/?ref=ebln

Rob C

[JoeKitchen]

You wouldn't want to make it up:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15042670.Scotland_s_top_universities_urged_to_drop_entry_rules_in_key_courses_for_disadvantaged_students/?ref=ebln

Rob C

One only needs to look at the change in policy in 1996 of the state school of CA to see how much of a problem this is.  Prior to 1996, the CA schools did just this; graduation rates were very low and drop out rates very high for impoverished students.  Now, after placing them by ability, they are on par with the overall population. 

I also know from being a teacher, putting a student in a class that he/she is not prepared for will only lead to disaster.  This is especially the case in any STEM or law class, where the knowledge builds upon itself.  There may be a diamond in the rough that excels, but more then likely that student gives up and fails/drops out. 

[AnthonyM]

The proposer of this idea seems to recognise that it will exclude well qualified applicants.

If the less well qualified students fail to qualify, then Scotland will have fewer doctors than it needs.

Alternatively, qualification standards could drop, leading to a reduction in the quality of Scottish doctors.

Still, as long as the requirements of equality are met, these would be small prices to pay. 

[Rob C]

The proposer of this idea seems to recognise that it will exclude well qualified applicants.

If the less well qualified students fail to qualify, then Scotland will have fewer doctors than it needs.

Alternatively, qualification standards could drop, leading to a reduction in the quality of Scottish doctors.

Still, as long as the requirements of equality are met, these would be small prices to pay. 

You've lost me, Anthony.

Are you saying we should drop standards just to allow more low-standard people loose on the population? If so, pray you never get sick!

Or, are you being tongue-in-cheek through the suggestion that 'equality', whatever that is, is paramount, of greater value than ability?

Rob

[AnthonyM]

Rob, the latter. I should have added "sarcasm alert".

[Rob C]

Rob, the latter. I should have added "sarcasm alert".

Thank goodness!

;-)

Rob

[jeremyrh]

The proposer of this idea seems to recognise that it will exclude well qualified applicants.

If the less well qualified students fail to qualify, then Scotland will have fewer doctors than it needs.

Alternatively, qualification standards could drop, leading to a reduction in the quality of Scottish doctors.

Alternatively, bright people who did not have an opportunity to get the qualifications to enter could prove themselves excellent doctors.