March 9, 2012
Colorado legislature, school districts debate effectiveness of having struggling students repeat a grade
It can be emotional and controversial, but Colorado may soon find out whether the prospect of retention — having struggling students repeat a grade rather than have “social promotion” move them on with their peers — might also spur parents and schools to more effectively focus on early literacy.
Though experts remain divided on whether retention helps or hinders students over time, several states are considering policies that would employ the practice to ensure that students don’t move ahead without a firm academic foundation.
What do you think? Should students who who aren’t performing at grade level be held back, or allowed to progress?

Colorado legislature, school districts debate effectiveness of having struggling students repeat a grade

It can be emotional and controversial, but Colorado may soon find out whether the prospect of retention — having struggling students repeat a grade rather than have “social promotion” move them on with their peers — might also spur parents and schools to more effectively focus on early literacy.

Though experts remain divided on whether retention helps or hinders students over time, several states are considering policies that would employ the practice to ensure that students don’t move ahead without a firm academic foundation.

What do you think? Should students who who aren’t performing at grade level be held back, or allowed to progress?

September 14, 2011
SAT reading scores fall to lowest level on record

Chart shows mean SAT scores since 1972.The Associated Press reports:

SAT reading scores for the high school class of 2011 were the lowest on record, and combined reading and math scores fell to their lowest point since 1995.

The College Board, which released the scores Wednesday, said the results reflect the record size and diversity of the pool of test-takers. As more students aim for college and take the exam, it tends to drag down average scores.

(Read more)

May 19, 2011
Amazon says e-book sales surpass printed books

Amazon.com says it’s selling more electronic books than printed books, less than four years after it started selling e-books.

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