One day, one test: How the new retention law overlooks children with learning disabilities

By , Special to The Daily Memphian Updated: August 20, 2022 3:50 PM CT | Published: August 17, 2022 4:00 AM CT
<strong>Second graders do math exercises at Frayser Achievement Elementary School. Tennessee&rsquo;s new third-grade retention law doesn&rsquo;t address students with learning&nbsp;disabilities, which is the cause of many if not most reading&nbsp;deficiencies.</strong> (The Daily Memphian file)

Second graders do math exercises at Frayser Achievement Elementary School. Tennessee’s new third-grade retention law doesn’t address students with learning disabilities, which is the cause of many if not most reading deficiencies. (The Daily Memphian file)

In partnership with

The Institute for Public Service Reporting

The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement. 

Many third-grade students who fail their reading tests have learning disabilities, but Tennessee’s new retention law fails to address that reality, putting thousands of kids at risk of being held back.

Topics

third grade retention third graders Students with disabilities National Assessment of Educational Progress NAEP learning disabilities ADHD National Center for Learning Disabilities dyslexia dysgraphia
In partnership with
The Institute for Public Service Reporting

The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement. 

David Waters

David Waters

David Waters is Distinguished Journalist in Residence and assistant director of the Institute for Public Service Reporting at the University of Memphis.


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