GALENA, KS.--- A proposal by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback aimed at increasing reading proficiency in 4th graders was defeated in the Kansas Senate this week.
If it had passed, it would have held back students in the 3rd grade who were having trouble reading. Local administrators say holding a student back isn't the best option, and may cause harm in the future.
"I don't think we can have a blanket 'retain every student that doesn't reach their reading level at a certain age,' and research won't support that either," said Brain Smith, Superintendent, Galena Schools.
Smith says the state already has a system in place to help kids who are falling behind, by offering intervention and assistance with reading.
If it had passed, it would have held back students in the 3rd grade who were having trouble reading. Local administrators say holding a student back isn't the best option, and may cause harm in the future.
"I don't think we can have a blanket 'retain every student that doesn't reach their reading level at a certain age,' and research won't support that either," said Brain Smith, Superintendent, Galena Schools.
Smith says the state already has a system in place to help kids who are falling behind, by offering intervention and assistance with reading.
