The World According to Oatney

Social Promotion

The purpose of legislation such as this is not to simply dictate to local education authorities what their retention policies should or shouldn't be. Instead, this new law is designed to benefit the student. If a non-special needs student isn't learning, they need to be helped, and if necessary held back until they've mastered the appropriate material. Until now, many children have been socially promoted with the theory that holding them back might do them more damage both socially and academically. Many public schools, not only in Tennessee but across the country, have operated with the notion that a student who may be held back a year is less likely to succeed in the future. If a child who is having trouble in school is made to stay until they "get it right," that student is more likely to apply theselves so that they don't have to be held back in the future.

Labels: Conservatism, Local politics, Tennessee politics

posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 3:10 PM