Rewards To The Uneducated

Analysis of test results and grade promotions indicates that the Cleveland Public School System is continuing its policy of pushing students through school despite whether they learned anything. The practice of "social promotion" allowed 95% of fourth- and sixth-graders to be elevated to a higher grade last year while less the 50% successfully completed required state reading and math exams.

Supporters of the practice of social promotion contend that making students repeat a grade harms their self esteem. Opponents believe that social promotion thrusts students into classes unprepared and unable to learn more difficult material. Assuming that the purpose of school is to have students learn a minimum standard of knowledge, social promotion make no sense. School is a waste of every person's time if students can go from grade to grade without learning anything.

Unfortunately, not everyone believes it's important for students to acquire knowledge. Eschewing test results and leading the No-Child-Left-Informed policy is Cleveland Public School System CEO, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who has stated, "It's better to move them along and figure out . . . what resources to give to them."

More than any other indicator, Barbara Byrd-Bennett's statement demonstrates what is sorely lacking in the Cleveland Public School System, a visionary and goal-oriented leader.