Should We Retain Kids to Raise Reading Achievement? Part II

Part II has arrived and Professor Shanahan shares additional thoughts on whether retention can improve student reading achievement. One of his statements worth highlighting:

In part I of a two-part blog series, Timothy Shanahan, a Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Director of the Center for Literacy, addressed the question “Should We Retain Kids to Raise Reading Achievement?” Professor Shanahan highlighted Florida’s literacy-based promotion, and presented the research that suggests it’s working, but felt a Part II was needed to address the question fully. Part II has arrived and Professor Shanahan shares additional thoughts on whether retention can improve student reading achievement. One of his statements worth highlighting:

“Florida did more than just flunk kids: they did a great job of ensuring that classrooms across the state were beefing up their teaching of phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency, and they made sure there were ongoing interventions available to struggling readers. They provided substantial coaching and other professional development for their teachers, and supported extensive summer school and after school programs. Florida ensured that retained students got the necessary instruction to make real progress.”

The key takeaway here: states can’t just simply retain students for retention sake, they have to provide a comprehensive approach to K-3 reading instruction ensuring all students are provided effective reading instruction to meet their needs. If students are unable to read at grade level by the end of third grade, giving them one more year with a highly effective teacher and a different course of action to ensure they catch up with their peers has proven to be an effective practice for Florida students.

Read part II here

 

 

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