3rd-graders who can't read won't move on [Jeb: Financial penalties for "social promotion"]

The Orlando Sentinel ^ | May 3, 2002 | Dave Weber

[summer]

FYI. I have never understood what benefit exists for students who are socially promoted. They are usually not only behind in academics, but often they are in fact "socially" less mature than their peers as well.

Also, "social promotion" does nothing but increase a classroom teacher's workload, because everything for that student has to be adjusted downward since the student is not reading on grade level.

[summer]

For index.

[summer]

FYI.

[GailA]

Send them all to summer school and emerse them in PHONICS!

[summer]

Gov. Bush just mandated a big change in the curriculum: more emphasis on phonics.

[Salvation]

If this is indeed happening in Florida, I would like to see it happening in other states as well. You are so right about adjusting plans and activities down -- hence the term: dumbing down!

[Salvation]

And index again.

[summer]

Yes, it is indeed happening. And, I look forward to seeing the first school district financially penalized, because I know they are ALL going to try to get away with social promotion again. And, it is just terrible to do that to students (and, also terrible for teachers, quite frankly).

[Slyfox]

Supporters of retaining students say the children don't get the help they need when they're moved ahead too quickly, and they fall behind.

Aside from phonics, most of the kids who will be held back are victims of somebody not getting them to practice their reading skills enough to become proficient. Most kids do learn to read but lack practice honing their reading skills enough to become good readers. If the teachers really pounced on it and showed the parents how to help their children, they probably wouldn't be having a problem with reading. Most times people do as little as possible to get by, and when the end of the year comes it is easier to pass the problem off to the next grade. I applaud Gov. Bush's solution.

[Jonathon Spectre]

To the top with you!

[demkicker]

Get ready for the teacher unions to come out with:

"It depends on what the meaning of reading is."

[TAP ONLINE]

This obviously is a ploy to decrease the Democrat vote totals in Florida.

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If they learn to read who will take the place of Democrat Florida voters in Dade county?

[Paul Atreides]

Get ready for the charges of racism to start flying.

[Clara Lou]

It's already going on in Texas. "Whole Language" is out the window in many, if not most, districts. Ours went back to phonics several years back-- never should have left phonics. Students who failed the 3rd grade reading test were to be held back this coming school year, but fear is overwhelming everyone involved, so, they will be held back in 2003.

[GailA]

Gov taxquist wants over $11M for a "catch up" for 7th & 8th graders..so they won't fail the new "gateway test". A waste of money as most of these dumbed down skulls full of mush can't even pass the dumbed down 8th grade TCAP.

[nothingnew]

So, now Gov. Bush is imposing financial penalties against school districts that continue to promote illiterate students.

Uhmmmm, lessee...WHO pays the $$penalties?...Teachers?...bwahahaha!...we all know they don't get paid enough...The school boards?...Bwahahahaha!!...they get paid by YOU...Lessee, who's gonna pay the $penalties$?...

FMCDH

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

I have never understood what benefit exists for students who are socially promoted

The government understands if they cant read or write it makes for a good welfare case in the future keeps their agenda alive and thriving for future welfare recipiants!

If you cant keep up with society youll be well kept up by the government and not just for one generation but for many generations !!!!

[summer]

Re your post #16 - In answer to your question of who pays the penalties, the answer is the school district, by losing funding. From article:

While Bush's A+ Plan for Education, passed in 1999, did not penalize districts for promoting failed readers, schools that ignore the new law could lose their share of lottery proceeds, as well as other state funding.

I think that's a good idea, as schools don't want to lose any funding.

[summer]

You're right - and, re: incarcerated people in this country, 85% are high school drop outs.

[summer]

You have a good point, Gail. Middle school is really not the place to teach reading, and students need to learn to read in elementary school. By middle school, they are often too frustrated, and just waiting to drop out of school.