Students were graduating from high school without basic math and writing skills, to say nothing of more complicated subjects. It was easier to move students up and out than to take the time and effort to help them learn. The state s new student accountability system ends that abominable practice. Students in grades three, five, eight and 10 must meet or exceed the state s standard for knowledge or else repeat the grade or attend summer school. High school sophomores must pass their tests or they won t graduate.
Some people believe that s Draconian.
But it is no less harsh than sending ill-prepared students into the work world to fend as best they can. It is no more heartless than giving students and their parents a false sense of security with inflated classroom grades that misrepresent lack of accomplishment. The academic standards are difficult. They were meant to be. They reflect the best thinking of Delaware public school and university educators.