PROMOTION IN DOUBT

I sat staring at those three words in disbelief: PROMOTION IN DOUBT. There were many questions racing through my mind as I tried to grasp the meaning of PROMOTION IN DOUBT!! What do these words imply?

Is this a stamp that will be forever placed on students at the beginning of the school year which will ultimately determine their fate at the end of the school year and possibly the rest of their lives? Does this mean that this is only a check point that is based on both qualitative and quantitative data or is it just a subjective conclusion? What is the significance of these THREE  words if there were no attempt at some form of intervention? Could it also be a way of expressing "you do not fit in" or "we can't help you"? Has school simply failed these students?

As I sat thinking about the many situations that could have led to this predicament. I could not help but wonder if these THREE  words PROMOTION IN DOUBT are the results of our own teaching practices? How well do we know our students? How do they learn? What are some of the learning challenges that they are experiencing? Are we providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that promotes inquiry and a passion for learning? Is it that we are just going through the motions "nothing more, nothing less"? Are we all victims of our circumstances?

What about the students whose lives we have been entrusted? How will their lives be impacted?

I am reminded of the many students I have taught who were not provided with the help needed to become successful learners when they were younger and watched them struggle. Some gave up and dropped out while others stayed the course and eventually graduated. Were those who gave up marred by PROMOTION IN DOUBT? Today, I see some of these students roaming the hall ways, acting out in class, disrupting the instructional process, others extremely quiet ....... trying not to attract attention to themselves but nevertheless are considered for PROMOTION IN DOUBT.

We are all prisoners. How can we help to bring about change? What do the THREE words PROMOTION IN DOUBT mean to you?

In concluding, as you go throughout this week think about the experiences of Brad Cohen in FRONT OF THE CLASS.

Have an inspiring week!

Petreno