Holding Back Social Promotion: Florida’s Example Promises Stronger Readers

Holding Back Social Promotion: Florida’s Example Promises Stronger Readers [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Whether or not a student can read in the early grades is a clear indicator of future success.
Schools should not keep sending kids onto the next grade if they lack basic reading skills.
This “social promotion” often does more harm than good.
...The critical importance of becoming proficient by the end of third grade is well understood. According to research by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, missing that benchmark increases the chances a student will fail to graduate on time — fourfold.
...One thing Florida does is prohibit third-graders who score in the lowest level on the state reading test from automatically advancing to the next grade.
Struggling readers get several opportunities to pass the test and are provided alternative ways of showing that they meet the basic reading standard.
Specific exemptions are allowed for students with disabilities, newer English Language Learners, and those who have already been held back twice.
...Results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress bring the challenge closer to home.
Over the past 12 years, Michigan’s fourth-grade reading scores have slipped below the national average, while Florida’s scores have soared and plateaued.
...Third-grade retention is not a magical cure-all that will make all kids competent lifetime readers. But Florida’s example shows that far more Michigan students stand to benefit if we put aside warm feelings about social promotion."