Stop Social Promotion

By: Sixth Grade Students at CS 214

>> Download Presentation (.ppt)

Did you know that you can pass the 6th grade without basic skills?  Social promotion is the practice of moving a student to the next grade even if their grades or test scores are not high enough.  Some educators believe it is important to keep students with kids of their own age, while others think holding students back makes them feel bad.  Many people support the mayor’s plan to end social promotion and many people do not agree with the mayor’s plan.  We agree with Mayor Bloomberg to end social promotion.

We believe social promotion does not work.  Based on an article we read from the Associated Press, “4,000 students improved their test scores” after going to summer school.  I got left back and I think I’m doing better.  I am glad I got left back because if I didn’t, I would probably not understand what they are teaching me.  I would not like it if other student weren't left behind in the future.  They will not find a successful job if they don’t have standard math and reading scores.

Parents and teachers are upset about the fact that students are leaving the school system without basic skills.  We believe that kids are leaving the school system because of social promotion.  The students are not prepared if they just move up with their friends and do not have good skills.

Mayor Bloomberg has a plan to end social promotion.  Many parents and educators believe there shouldn't be social promotion because it is causing too many students to drop out.  Social promotion is not really helping students pass reading and math tests.  Students will not know enough to go to college or get a job.