Louisiana Could Soon Hold Many 3rd Graders Back

A measure to put more requirements on youngsters is headed for final passage in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana House has passed a measure to keep 3rd graders back in the same grade if they are not reading at grade level.

HB 12 is modeled off a similar law now in place in Mississippi. Rep Richard Nelson of Mandeville says this bill is critical to make sure our youngsters know how to read before just moving them along to the next grade.

This bill is now headed to the Senate. This same bill was pushed last year, but the session wrapped before the upper chamber took a vote on the measure. It looks like there is plenty of time left this year for the measure to be considered.

Nelson says his bill gives students three opportunities to pass the test. Students who do not make the grade will get extra instruction and more chances to pass the test.

But some lawmakers say we should not be punishing the students, but focus more attention on the teachers who are "failing the students." At least one lawmaker says Louisiana needs to hire more certified teachers to make sure students can read on grade level at the 3rd grade benchmark. The House passed the bill on an 88 to 15 vote and it will now be heard in a Senate committee.