READ THE PROMPT IN THE SCREENSHOT, THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION.
Stein expressed his concern about Ms. Sutter creating false excitement about a prestigious university. How would you have responded to Mr. Stein's comments?
Transcribed Image Text: Case Study Week 2: High Expectations or Unrealistic Goals?
Ms. Sutter was in the middle of her first year teaching sixth grade at Pinewood Elementary School when she decided to form an
after-school club for students who could become the first people in their families to attend college. She saw a need for such a
group as she noticed that many of her students lacked knowledge about postsecondary education. Although many of their parents
encouraged them to think about college, her students did not have the same opportunities as some of their peers to see a college
campus or hear about higher education options.
The school was located close to several colleges and even a world-renowned university. Still, only a few of Ms. Sutter's students
saw those institutions' potential relevance to their futures. Ms. Sutter, on the other hand, had fond memories of the friendly
rivalry between her parents when they discussed their alma maters. At an early age, she understood there was no question
about whether she would pursue higher education; rather, the question was where she would earn her degree.
Ms. Sutter proposed the new club at a staff meeting. Some teachers thought it was unnecessary, but several others were excited
and offered their support. A major point of discussion was the club's grade range. Should it be open to all kindergarten through
sixth-grade students or limited to higher-grade levels?
Ms. Bates, a second-grade teacher, commented, "Experience tells me that sixth grade is too early to start talking to these kids
about college. It's way over their heads."
Another teacher, Ms. Clark, added, "Families in our school will enroll their children in any free after-school program to keep
them busy. You'll be swamped and spend more time on discipline than in college. Limit it to sixth graders." Many teachers
nodded in agreement. Ms. Sutter listened carefully to the suggestions, and although she disagreed with her peers' opinions, she
reluctantly agreed to offer the club exclusively to sixth graders.
Several months later, Ms. Sutter paused during her "College Club" meeting to marvel at how well it was going. Over half of the
sixth graders attended regularly. Many parents and guardians would arrive before pick-up time to join the lively discussions
about college life. The students even created a map, which was hung in the front office, showing all the colleges and universities
that the school's teachers had attended. It seemed everybody was impressed with the student's enthusiasm and willingness to do
additional work.
As a year-end celebration for club members, Ms. Sutter scheduled a Saturday field trip to the renowned local university,
including a guided tour and lunch. When they arrived on campus, she asked the students to wait outside the admissions office
while she notified the receptionist that the group had arrived. Because it was a weekend, the office was crowded with high school
students and their families awaiting their tours. After speaking with the receptionist, Ms. Sutter was shocked to learn that their
assigned tour guide had called in sick. As a result, her group would need to conduct a self-guided tour.
"But I didn't even attend this university! I can't give them an adequate tour. Why not just let us join another group?" she
implored.
"I'm sorry but our guides are prioritized for the high school students," the receptionist responded. As Ms. Sutter continued to
plead the club's case, she was approached by the director of admissions, Mr. Stein.
"Can I help you?" he asked warmly.
"Yes, thank you!" responded Ms. Sutter, hoping he would secure a tour guide for the group. "I have a group of sixth graders here,
potential first-generation college students," she said before explaining the club's purpose and how excited the students were about
the tour.
Mr. Stein looked around the crowded room and asked Ms. Sutter to enter his office. Wonderful! Though Ms. Sutter. Maybe he'll
be the person who gives us a tour.
Instead, Mr. Stein said, "I'm sorry that the tour guide is unavailable. We do our best to avoid these situations, but I have students
waiting in the other room who are credible applicants. Unfortunately, I can't compromise their interest by prioritizing sixth
graders ahead of them." He paused briefly before adding, "Frankly, I worry that you're getting your students excited about a
place they probably will never be able to attend. Perhaps you should be touring a community college or trade school."
With this, he opened his office door, inviting Ms. Sutter to leave so that he could attend to the families in the lobby. Ms. Sutter
glanced through a window and saw her students waiting patiently for their tour. She fought back the tears as she contemplated
what to tell them and how to address Mr. Stein's prejudiced comments.