Social Promotion

[hayfields@moscow.com]

I was reading just today about a subject that has an impact on this discussion- 
The new testing legislation in California has left behind many disabled pupils. 
These are primarily pupils who have learning disabilities. In order for the 
tests to be "Fair" all pupils are to have the same testing standards. Kids with 
reading disabilities may not have the option to have the test read to them. 
Students whose handwriting is illegible will not have their tests scored but 
will not have the option of typing. After all if these kids cannot read or 
write they will fail the tests. Should they be treated differently?  Bottom 
line, can you give a diploma to a student(who for whatever reason) cannot read 
or write?  Maybe social promotion isn't such a bad thing depending on the 
particular circumstances. So if you make exceptions for some what about those 
kids who struggle but aren't "diagnosable"? I can see why the district isn't 
talking about this or setting a policy. IMHO I think it should be left alone or 
done on a case by case basis. The bigger question is has Idaho testing 
standards been set to provide these kids what they need? I believe the article 
was in the New York Times either today or this weekend.
Heather
Jordan

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