Brown said all retentions must be approved by the child's parents. Low-performing students are kept in their appropriate grade and given remediation. In the North Colonie District, early intervention gets the most attention, according to Superintendent Marya Levenson. In addition, teachers and counselors have to address family and emotional problems to help students succeed, Levenson said. Not only is early intervention a good practice in keeping kids on track, but it can save districts money in the long run.
Superintendents agree that implementing extra help programs is costly.
They were funded out of our budget, which meant a tax increase.