In the pursuit of educational excellence, schools have long turned to the method of separating "smart" kids into a separate class, sometimes with better resources. It is a wonder that societies, which couch their basic principles in terms of equality for all, would permit such an early classification of future citizens into different classes. I contend that such classifications enforce inequality rather than lessen it and do little to justify their

enormous detrimental effect on students' mental health.

For many, education is the only ladder to social advancement. In the rural villages that dot most of the developing world, the chance to get a college education and possibly immigrate to America or Europe has long provided a harrowing but sure way to move up the social ladder. Therefore, high school, as the link between mandatory or secondary education and university, plays a vital social role.

When we examine the classification system in high schools, we should not only consider its educational benefits, if any, but also its potential doctrinal impact on future citizens. When you tell someone, "You're not smart enough to get into class A" or "You're not hardworking enough to stay in class A," it sends a message that will stick with them forever. Some will no doubt recover from it and go on to do great things, perhaps even boosted by the tough character hardened by it. But also, without a doubt, there will be a

substantial number who suffer from the decision.

As for those who stay at the top, myself included, the arrangement instills a certain false sense of superiority and security and makes the ultimate fall from grace, whenever it comes in life, that much harder. There's always going to be someone smarter, more athletic, and better prepared than you out there. It's no good telling you you're the best when that's blatantly untrue.

Education is the foundation of development and lies at the heart of government policy. Time and experience have revealed the flaws and benefits of this system. It is imperative that policymakers and educators evaluate them with care