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What You Should Know About Social Promotion

Everyday in the press we read horror stories of students graduating from high school without being able to read, do simple arithmetic or find the United States on a map. In every neighborhood such children exist and often their parents have little knowledge about their school's social promotion practices. In an effort to curb this automatic passing from grade to grade-social promotion-schools are taking serious steps. For example, in Texas, Florida, Chicago and New York school officials are requiring students to demonstrate grade-level knowledge in order to advance to the next grade. Elsewhere school officials are introducing new or recently revamped achievement exams.
          This new generation of state level testing is intended to hold all children to a higher standard. The theory is that clear, rigorous standards for all will lead to fewer cases of social promotion.
          In either case, students who do not meet the prescribed standard of learning will have opportunities to catch up. They may be assigned to summer school or after-school tutoring. If after remedial help they still cannot pass the tests, the children may face staying back a grade.
          Rhetoric about social promotion abounds. What can you do as a parent? Make sure you know what is required of your child to pass to the next grade. Are the guidelines clear, specific and rigorous? Is anyone responsible for guaranteeing that your child meets the requirements?
          Support higher standards! Even if it takes your child an extra year to meet them, it will be better for him in the long run.

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