Ohio schools dumb down reading requirements so 50% of 4th graders won't be retained

Akron Beacon Journal | Nov. 28, 2001 | Reginald Fields

[Lizavetta]

So, while most fourth-graders can meet the state guarantee that they can read, most are not considered by the state to be proficient readers.

More brilliance from the government.

[attagirl]

Is our children learning?

[cantfindagoodscreenname]

The change to the reading guarantee minimum score came after lawmakers realized that making students reach the ``proficient'' level would result in up to half of all public school fourth-graders' being retained an extra year.

Better to pass them on and not fracture their delicate self-image than actually making sure they know how to read. Being an illiterate adult is much better for one's ego than having stayed back a year in fourth grade.

[hsszionist]

I smell NEA.

[GunsareOK]

The NEA smells alright, that's for sure.

[Lizavetta]

Yup.

[JARthur]

I live in northern Ohio and this year sent my kid into the public school system, from the Catholic school he was in for finacial reasons (Actually, he is now back in the Catholic school because he was missed he friends too much). However, the point I am going to make is that I found the the public school system he was in was far ahead of the Catholic school and was extremely good. They had very competent teachers and the kids had to perform to a very high level. He got more homework then the Catholic school and it is way a head of the Catholic school in math and science. Like I said I put him back in the Catholic school because he was just not happy and I figured he has his whole adult life to by misrable. I just wanted to point out that all the crap you here aboput public schools may be just that, crap. Our experience with out local public school showed us that they are really very good schools. I am sure some of them are lousy, but trust me, some of the Catholic and other private schools are too! The school he is now in Is a good school, but I rate the local public school better in many areas. Trust me. the kids in his fifth grade class could all read and write very well or they would not have been in fifth grade.

[mbb bill]

Are americans getting to smart??

[randog]

Failing to pass would require retention, unless a teacher and principal agree the student can handle fifth-grade class work and, therefore, promote the student despite a poor score.

AKA 'The Belligerent Parent' clause.

[B Knotts]

Yeah, but at least they're well-versed in fisting techniques and putting on a condom.

[StDonTheBaptist]

All your young-skulls-full-of-mush are belong to us.

Us is good educators. Us is the NEA.

[B Knotts]

Your example is extremely atypical.

[EdReform]

The NEA's agenda in the public schools must be stopped - see the following:

Reply # 16 in the message thread Don't Profile The Kids Or The Educational Levels Of Their Parents [Free Republic] and

Reply # 44 in the message thread TEACHERS UNION THUGS HAVE TO GIVE BACK MONEY [Free Republic]

*Education News bump... (Free Republic Bump List Register)

[yoe]

No they isn't!

95% of children Can read by the time they are in second grade! It is the parent that ignores this, lets them spend hours in front of the tube or with computer games. Since the teachers are unable and unwilling to tackle this problem, it is up to the parent or the Complete Dumbing Down of America will be complete.

It is unconscionable that this is happening in America. Please e-mail the Akron Beacon Journal here: abjfeedback@realcities.com

Let them know what the rest of the country thinks about this backward approach to educating their/your children.

[anniegetyourgun]

No...they aren't getting TOO smart either.

[anniegetyourgun]

Oddly enough, when my son was in public school I pleaded with them to hold him back a year in both 4th and 6th grade. The public school refused so as not to hurt his "self-esteem." Needless to say, he is now in private school and repeated 7th grade - much to his advantage now.

[Eska]

Does that mean our politicals are in cahoots with the NEA?

Social promotions are also offensive, but parents & politicals continue to demand such as the norm.

In my state, benchmarks & standards continue going up and up. Some are attainable, others just for show; alot depends on the student's social background, homelife, and many factors out of control of the school system. Inner-city vs suburbs ect.

[Jonx6]

It would seem, your local public school is an exception rather that the norm. We have our 4 boys in a small private school because our public schools are horrible at teaching even the basics and are hostile toward God.

[George Frm Br00klyn Park]

"More brilliance from the government."

LV, Actually, this comes from our institutions of "higher" learning. Dumb down the tests so people won't know how badly "we" teach. They did the same thing with SAT scores in order for more kids to make it into college. Now, the largest number of offerings in college courses are for "remedial learning". Things the kids should have known upon entering college. What passes for education today is EVIL!!! And, the Dumbing Down IS deliberate. Peace and love, George.

[itsinthebag]

"Is our children learning?"

I don't think they is.