Category: Trending Topics

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? If the multiage classroom is the initial target model for a reformed education system, what alternatives might coincide with the multiage approach? Streaming Model A method that deserves …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Reforming U.S. Education Approaches”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? Try to think beyond the current goals of our education system. If the ultimate objective is to shape well-rounded, contributing members of society, how much will our schools …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: How Do We Redesign America’s Schools?”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? If altering elements of the U.S. education system could make students less anxious and more inspired by the process of learning, would it be worth it? The redesign …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Rethinking School Design for Better Learning”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? Aren’t student’s individuals with varying merits and abilities? Doesn’t the notion that all 10-year-olds should master specific concepts and skills seem outdated? Multiage Classroom Scenario In a classroom …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Multiage Model for Improved Classroom Structure”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? With multiage classrooms in mind, how do struggling students fit into the equation? What supports would students receive if it was determined they were experiencing academic difficulty? Though …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Support for Struggling Students”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? If your child was excelling academically, would it matter that they were doing so in a nontraditional classroom? Breaking Down the Walls Renee Goularte was originally a third-grade …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Classroom Organization Redesigns”

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? What measures can be taken to swiftly and effectively address difficulties students may be experiencing academically? Arguably, multiage classrooms can deliver developmental support more effectively than graded classes …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Intervention for Struggling Students”