In California adult schools, standardized language assessments are typically administered to adult English as a second language (ESL) students upon enrollment; students then take these same state-approved tests throughout the academic year to demonstrate progress. As these tests assess only listening and reading skills, schools may use their own…

Educators and policy makers confront challenging questions of ethics, justice, and equity on a regular basis. Should teachers retain a struggling student if it means she will most certainly drop out? Should an assignment plan favor middle-class families if it means strengthening the school system for all? These everyday dilemmas are both utterly…

The author cites lack of standards for retaining students despite increased advocacy of the procedure, and suggests that learning disabled students would gain very little by retention. (CL)

The author asserts that special educators must be aware of the standards of the regular classroom and must teach the learning disabled child based on those standards. However, he cites widespread confusion and ambiguity over such standards for promotion. (CL)

In November 1983, the Boston School Committee approved the establishment of a promotion policy for students in grades 1 through 12. This document first introduces that policy and explores implementation plans. Second, a rationale is presented that cites six major reasons for the policy's creation: attaining equity, holding students to grade level…

No longer will New York City elementary school children be promoted to the next grade, even though they are known to be over two years behind grade level in reading. (Author)

Discussion of the newly modified United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 reviews the test, phase-in plans, and potential impact on basic biomedical sciences education. It is recommended that medical schools not use the test as the sole criterion for promotion to the third year and carefully review other examination-related requirements…

The purpose of this document is to present to school personnel, parents, students, and other interested citizens the board rules and administrative procedures required to implement state legislative and local board pupil progression requirements. Sections of the document cover general procedures for promotions and assignments; promotion and…

The impact of testing and promotion standards on students in urban schools was discussed by urban school superintendents from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Pointing to research that suggests that standards alone are not enough to boost achievement, many educators recommend coupling more rigorous standards with appropriate remedial programs, staff…

Sorting practices in the public schools place students, especially those from poor and minority families, at risk. The "talent-development" model is based on the assumption that all students, with adequate support, can learn. This report describes outcomes of the first Talent Development High School, which was established in September 1995 at…

Academic progress requirements of federally funded student aid programs administered by the Department of Education (ED), the Veterans Administration (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) were investigated. Eighteen public and private two-year and four-year colleges, as well as one public vocational school and one proprietary school,…

Methods used to rectify imbalances in student proficiency levels within and between courses are described. One year after changes were made in promotion and placement procedures, examination development, and course and program objectives, course enrollment patterns improved, and there was evidence of improved student achievement in higher level…

This bulletin includes: (1) a general statement of present thoughts and trends, covering the accepted philosophy of purpose, influence of modern educational psychology, trends in enrollment, and the nature and trends of the present social order; (2) secondary pupil population, addressing enrollment, chronological age representation in secondary…