Poll reopens debate on social promotion

From KRQE-TV.com - ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Pick any third-grade classroom in the state of New Mexico and the odds are nearly half of the students are behind their grade level in reading. According to the results from recent statewide testing, only 52.4 percent of third graders are proficient or better in reading. The Albuquerque Public Schools district numbers are only slightly better with 52.6 percent testing proficient or better. It's a number that concerns state leaders like Public Education Secretary-Designate Hanna Skandera. "Reading is such a gateway," Skandera said. "We know if our students can't read by the end of the third grade they are four times more likely to drop out." One of Gov. Susana Martinez's big education initiatives is one that would make it practically mandatory for students who've fallen behind in reading by the end of the third grade to not be promoted to fourth grade. Currently, state law allows students to be held back a grade or retained, but only if the teacher and principal recommend it and the parent doesn't veto it, something they have the option of doing for one year. Union leaders have been critical of the governor's plan, and the Legislature has failed to pass it. "If you retain kids and don't give them the help they need then they are more likely to drop out later," said Ellen Bernstein with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation. "Retention should be the last option." An Albuquerque Journal poll asked New Mexico voters whether third graders who can't read at grade level should be held back. Seventy-five percent of those polled said yes, with 18 percent opposed and 7 percent undecided. "I'm not surprised at all," Skandera said. "I think the people have spoken loud and clear, and I think they have consistently." Read more

Poll reopens debate on social promotion