The next level is composed of different ethnic groups that have equal strength and numbers and sort of balance each other out. At the very bottom, it's the special education kids who are the outcasts. Most of the time, people don't move up and down easily, but it is possible to move on the popularity chart. The caste system is a problem because different groups cause competition and friction with each other. In my opinion, I don't see a solution to this.
Adults have to be there when something happens and to talk to the kids.
My parents did not raise me to dislike people by the color of their skin, by their gender, or their popularity.