Parents Now Decide Whether Struggling Third-Graders Are Held Back: A Blessing or a Burden for Ohio Students?
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/
In Ohio, a new policy allows parents to promote third graders who fail state reading benchmarks, shifting the decision from schools to families. This change, part of a shift from the state’s previous Third Grade Reading Guarantee, has led to an unprecedented surge in students advancing to fourth grade despite poor reading skills. While districts are required to provide specialized reading support to struggling students, the increase in demand is straining already limited resources, especially as federal funding for reading intervention falls short.
The policy shift began after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the state temporarily waived retention requirements, leading to a dramatic rise in students needing reading support. In Cuyahoga County, many districts, including East Cleveland and Richmond Heights, promoted nearly all of their third graders despite many failing to meet proficiency. Students promoted despite low scores are placed on reading intervention plans, but schools report difficulties in providing the necessary individualized support.
Educators, however, offer a more nuanced perspective. Some believe that simply holding back struggling students won’t address the root causes of their reading challenges. Teachers like Jillian Ahrens emphasize the importance of early intervention and improved literacy teaching, rather than focusing solely on retention. A third-grade teacher shared her experience with a student who thrived after retention, but also pointed out that relying on standardized test scores for retention can unfairly affect students who are progressing but don’t test well.
Image Source: https://www.cleveland.com/
