In Texax, 96% of the third-graders passed their TAKS reading tests and will thus be promoted to third-grade.
Of the 11,478 students total who failed the test despite three attempts, some still have the chance to be promoted. Their parents can request a hearing, and the student can move on to the fourth grade (with additional remedial instruction) only if the parent, the student's reading teacher and his or her principal all agree that the student should be promoted. The introduction of the parent into this process is interesting - is anyone else aware of a state where the parent's opinion counts for anything? At this point, some of the flunkers might instead be given exceptions and a spot in special education programs.
Note that the test is given in Spanish as well, which would suggest that those children are not yet reading at the third-grade level in English. Are these Spanish-test-takers the kids who know only Spanish but who are being mainstreamed into English-immersion courses, or is it acceptable to be reading in either language in order to be placed in the fourth grade?
Posted by kswygert at July 24, 2003 10:55 AM