The San Diego School Board is considering a proposal that would force some eighth grade students into a special high school program where they can get more instruction. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the details.
District officials say just one in ten eighth-grade students aren’t prepared to tackle high school work. Yet, the district still moves the kids into high school. Under a new plan, eighth-graders who fail two or more classes would get more personalized schooling during their freshman year. District officials have not said what classes they would offer or if the classes would be held during or after school.
School trustee John DeBeck criticizes the plan, saying the district should not allow students who fail the eighth grade to move onto high school.
DeBeck: How are you going to stop social promotion by promoting kids to the ninth grade and them claiming you’re going to do something for them?
De Beck says the California High School Exit Exam has exposed social promotion. That’s because high school students who don’t have the academic skills to pass the test will not get a diploma. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
