RE: Social Promotion

["Tom Hansen" <thansen@moscow.com>]

Greetings again, Visionaires -

Just a little clarification/response concerning Ry Jones' comments quoted
below.

Ry Jones:  "I didn't realize feeling had much to do with a debate of the
facts."

In my opinion, "feelings" and opposing individual strengths of conviction
are the foundation of debate.

Ry Jones:  "The facts are, the schools in Moscow are not supported very
well. They are supported just well enough to get the kids who attend (my two
school age kids attend public school, full disclosure here) out of the hair
of the parents so they don't have to hire babysitters all day while they
work."

There is a simple answer here.  Increase the support to these schools and
hold the school district responsible.  This should result in the development
of a viable (and effective" education system to replace these "day care
centers" (as you so eloquently imply).

Ry Jones:  "You can go complain about a teacher, but there is no detriment
to them. You can go praise a teacher, but there is no reward for them."

The school district has established administrative channels that are open to
parents, teachers, and students, for submitting such grievances.  Being a
parent, I am sure that you are aware of them.  The district is required to
respond to each grievance.  If the result is not to your liking, you can
take it to the State Board of Education.  Again, I am certain that you are
aware of this, right?

Ry Jones:  "Do you suppose that parents who are directly paying out of
pocket for
private schooling would tolerate social promotion? To see a child who can't
perform get the same benefit as a child who can? I doubt such a concept (or
the school advancing it) would last long in the private world. But here we
are, pretending to debate if it makes and sense in public schools."

I partially agree with you.  A student that is fully capable of learning
(sans learning disabilities) at a rate commensurate with his/her peers and
fails to meet established standards for advancement, should not be advanced.
Those students with diagnosed learning disabilities should be provided the
necessary "tools" to afford them the same opportunity.

Ry Jones:  "Hope that doesn't hurt your feelings, Tom."

My feelings are not hurt.  Every coin has two sides.

Take care,

Tom Hansen