Forum Airs Sticky Differences Over Retention Plan Parents, Educators Discuss School District 81 Proposal

They agreed on one thing: Students who fall behind in class shouldn’t automatically pass to the next grade.

But that’s where things started to get sticky for the 30 or so parents and educators who met Thursday night to discuss Spokane School District 81’s proposed retention plan.

Some people want to hold back struggling students only in the first few grades. Others prefer to start in preschool. Still other parents worry that retaining some kids will crush their self-esteem.

Maxine Howard, whose grandchildren attend Jefferson Elementary School, believes students are crushed even more when they’re passed along unprepared.

“You’re hurting the child by not (holding him back),” she said.

“You can’t be 12 in second grade, either,” added another mother.

“We have to look at some other interventions before we decide you have to retain this child,” said Jeanne Baynes, principal at Pratt Elementary School. “Then they see a block, and they get very discouraged.”

Opinions flew at the East Central Community Center during the first of six public forums.

Parents raised their hands like eager students to add their ideas to lists that will go back to school board members. They also raised tough questions.

How would parents know what is expected of their children? Where would the money come from to help the students get up to speed? And how would teachers be held accountable?

“Should we be looking at the type of instruction they’re receiving?” asked Carl Liggins, whose children attend Sheridan Elementary School and Ferris High School.

“If these students are not measuring up, it’s because they’re not being educated.”

Vonda Hall, who teaches science at Rogers High School, said kids falling behind need help early on.

“As a ninth-grade teacher, I’ve had kids who read at a third-grade level,” said Hall. “Somebody knew they weren’t ready. If you realize a third-grader isn’t reading at a third-grade level, deal with it then.”

Some parents favored other ways of helping students without retaining them. Maybe summer school. Or weekend classes and homework centers.

“Now we’ve got another problem,” said Sue Nugen, whose daughter is in fourth grade at Lincoln Heights Elementary. “All these kids are going to think they’re dumb. And other kids will pick on them.”

Board members have suggested requiring students to prove they’re qualified before entering middle school and high school.

If board members settle on a policy, they hope to make it official in January and set a timeline to implement it gradually, perhaps beginning next fall.

The ultimate goal is graduates who are adequately prepared for jobs or college, said board member Rocky Treppiedi.

“Our students need to have the tools necessary to succeed,” he said.

, DataTimes