Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Read to Succeed...in first grade?????

Just read the latest version of the bill Senate Sub for HB 2140 that has changed from a third grade retention for failure to meet reading goals to a first grade retention for failure to meet goals....WHAT?


So what does the bill do now?
  • It is no longer a 3rd grade retention bill. Senator It was amended to apply to 1st graders based on the belief held by many that third grade was too late to begin interventions.
  • The parents of the child can override the retention and have the child promoted to 2nd grade.
  • If a parent does not request a meeting to discuss the issue within 15 days of getting notice of the child's performance, the teacher will make a recommendation to the principal who will review it and make a recommendation to the superintendent. The superintendent then makes the decision.
  • Exceptions to retention also include demonstration of reading skills on a teacher developed portfolio or a promotion recommendation from the teacher that is supported by both the principal and the superintendent.
  • The original bill provided grants to non-profits to provide intervention services. It now makes those grants available to school districts as well.


First grade?

As a kindergarten teacher I am often using the phrase "developmentally appropriate." Is that bill even developmentally appropriate? Students need time to grow and learn at their own pace. Teachers help give the tools, but the pace is often determine by the student. We often see those "aha" moments in younger grades when a student "gets it."

How devastating it could be to young six and seven years old students to be retained because they weren't quite up to the same level as their peers....which could possible be for a whole host of reasons.

Students begin their school career at all different levels....preschool, no preschool, daycare or not, home full of books or no exposure, single parent, split family, grandparent raised....and the list goes on and on. It is near to impossible to expect all students to be on the same level in 18 months of formal education.

I am disappointed in our senators.

9 comments:

  1. I honestly thought this bill would "die" and not make it. As I said before, there seems to be many more questions about this bill than answers.

    What are your thoughts on the parent involvement piece? I could see this piece getting very interesting. What will be needed in the teacher developed portfolio? Will this be an added addition to the teachers of the students in these younger grades? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to spend that time developing more quality instruction?

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    1. My fear is that some parents will trust and believe in the decision the school is making. I think some parents will be a strong advocate for their child and refuse to let them be retained, but some will let it happen because we are suppose to be the "experts." I can't imagine the work that will be involved in a teacher proving their case that a child should not be retained. Lots of questions that will need to be answered if this is implemented.

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  2. I was miffed when I read about this revision. First, do they really have a plan or will they decide to change the age/grade again based off of some random thought?

    As for the process, what parent would not override this decision?

    If they were really wanting to provide more interventions for struggling students why don't they just provide education with more funding and leave all this high stakes/high pressure away from our young children.

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    1. Unfortunately there are way too many parents that are not involved in their children's education and would let this happen. The child will suffer and retention can be harmful to their future. I just hope this is never allowed to be implemented.

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  3. It does feel like there is a lot of high pressure already happening for young children. I have a lot of thoughts on the parent piece and touched on that in my blog. I truly believe that it is the home where children start learning and becoming life long learners. I feel there should be more available to families to help with this because some are not sure what to do. I wonder if any of these senators have talked to first grade or third grade teachers or any teachers for that matter. I wonder if they have read research about retention.

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    1. Many parents simply do not understand or have the resources. I am so happy you are working on this for your project. It is amazing to me that parents today still do not understand that it is important to read to their young children. So many come unprepared to kindergarten, unable to correctly hold a book, turn the pages, etc.

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  4. Wow! I can't believe they'd do this. What parent wouldn't request their child move on? I imagine if it were to pass very few parents would be ok with having their child held back. Haven't they ever read the book Leo the Late Bloomer?

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    1. Love Leo the Late Bloomer!! Maybe someone needs to send copies to all our senators and house members!

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  5. Angela- Thanks again for your update about the changes to the above bill. I read the changes a couple of days ago online and heard the change when I was listening to the radio. I see the need to be totally informed and vocal with sharing your knowledge and wisdom with our senators and house members. We can make a difference if we're proactive.

    We know as current professionals we need to be progressive and hold on to our best practices for children and let go of what may have worked in the past, but isn't best current practice. This makes sense for all of us to pay attention to the specialists in the area of literacy and making sure our professional development is aligned with best practices. This is why I embraced the training I received serving on both the MTSS literacy and behavior pilot programs. It's important ALL teachers share in the leadership roles in their building so that no teacher is left behind. Thanks to USD 418 for investing and providing outstanding professional development. You take a lot for granted that other districts aren't able to offer.

    May our profession continue to be proactive for ALL involved in this profession.


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