In testimony presented at hearings on New York City's public school budget, the Educational Priorities Panel (EPP), which represents 25 special interest groups, commented on the budget proposal, shared lessons EPP has learned that bear on the budget process, and identified the priorities resulting from EPP's research and consensus activities. EPP…

This research summary presents findings and restates policy conclusions as to whether grade retention or promotion is more beneficial for students with serious academic problems. It is claimed that research to date does not provide a conclusive answer to this issue, that serious methodological problems prohibit all but tentative conclusions, and…

After defining education, science, scientific concepts, individualization, and the sequence of science instruction, the individualizing effort (K-6) at the Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh is examined in this speech. This effort is described in detail in relation to a science instruction project which…

Examines the policies involved in promotion and retention of students in South Carolina and other states. Recommends alternatives to retention and considerations for policy development. Includes a discussion of legal issues, a list of six recommendations, and a reference list. (MD)

Reviewed court cases concerning student retention and found that courts generally defer to the promotion-retention decisions of school officials. However, courts may demand additional justification for retention decisions based on a single criteria and are likely to overturn school retention decisions that have a disproportionate impact on…

Public school students have completed this year's testing under the 2003-04 Wisconsin Student Assessment System "Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations" (WKCE). These examinations were administered at grades 4, 8, and 10 as required by s. 118.30, Wis. Stats. The test results will provide important information about what students know and…

It is estimated that around 2.4 million students per year were retained in U.S. schools in the late 1990s. Are these children receiving the best educational services to suit their needs? Are there differences between low-achieving students who are not retained and those who are? Researchers and practitioners are asking these and other questions as…

Adapted from an address given at the CEA Short Course, Banff, May 1969.

Outlines four limitations inherent in using a minimum competency test to determine eligibility for a high school diploma and, in some jurisdictions, to determine advance to the next grade. Discusses the appropriate uses of testing in an overall program.(MP)

Disputes between school officials and students over actions taken in academic matters have increasingly become the subject of litigation. This paper addresses the question of whether academic decisions are subject to review by the courts. It takes a close look at the traditional nonintervention stance adopted by the judiciary. (Author)

Briefly describes a comprehensive reading program based on the ideas of mastery learning. (Author/JM)

Social promotion is accomplishing what it was intended to do; it is relieving the various grades of over-age, floundering students. If we are to help these potential failures, we must devise new educational systems. (Editor)

This study sought to learn more about student perceptions during the transition from elementary to middle school. In response to students' concerns, it is suggested that school counselors implement preventive or proactive programming to assist students with the elementary to middle school transition. (Contains 22 references.) (GCP)

Research findings indicate that grade retention leads to problems in student self-esteem and raises the dropout level. A transition grade between kindergarten and first grade is also considered harmful to students. Cites changes in different states' retention policies. (MLF)