Pass or Fail: How Do We Redesign America’s Schools?

pass or fail

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 …

Pass or Fail: Rethinking School Design for Better Learning

pass or fail

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 …

Pass or Fail: Multiage Model for Improved Classroom Structure

pass or fail

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 Doesn’t the notion that all 10-year-olds should master specific concepts and skills seem outdated?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 …

Pass or Fail: Support for Struggling Students

pass or fail

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 …

Pass or Fail: Rethinking School Design

pass or fail

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 do you feel are the most viable strategies for redesigning America’s public school systems? Does graded schooling actually support the highest levels of educational achievement? The idea …

Pass or Fail: Classroom Organization Redesigns

pass or fail

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 …

Pass or Fail: Intervention for Struggling Students

pass or fail

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 …

Pass or Fail: Alternative Assessments for Redesigned Schools

pass or fail

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? Is it possible to completely redesign the American public school system? What assessment models and strategies might be integrated into a multiage, multi-ability system? Multiage Classroom Assessments One …

Pass or Fail: Is the Academic Cost Worth It?

pass or fail

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? Do the ends justify the means in terms of social promotion and retention practices? How do these policies impact the academic career of a child who is retained …

Pass or Fail: How Did We Get to This Assessment Place?

pass or fail

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? When it comes to assessing what students have learned, there is a mixed review from educators. A few view the current way we assess students as on point, …