Board isn't too tough (01/07/06)

Is the Jay School Board being too tough by requiring summer school for high school students who fail to pass the Graduation Qualifying Exam? We don’t think so.

The new requirement adopted by the board last month isn’t aimed at penalizing students. Educators realize that a portion of those taking the test will fail and that remediation will be necessary.

But there’s a strong belief on the part of teachers, administrators, and school board members that a higher percentage of Jay County’s students could pass the test the first time around if they gave it the attention it deserves.

The test, remember, isn’t something aimed at college-bound kids; it reflects the minimal competencies the state requires in students receiving a high school diploma.

By linking the test to mandatory remedial summer classes, school officials are raising the stakes. In the past, failure to pass merely led to remediation sessions that didn’t pose any particular inconvenience.

The summer school requirement is an attempt to get students — and their parents — to focus on performing at their best the first time around. There’s also reason to believe that summer remediation classes can be more effective than current efforts.

The goal is getting the best student achievement levels possible. That means providing remediation to all who need extra help but also pushing those who are capable of passing the test first time around to make the best effort they’re capable of.

A tougher standard? Yes.

Too tough? Absolutely not. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]