Pickett Schools To Meet With Parents About New Retention Law

Pickett County Director of Schools Diane Elder said school administrators will be meeting with parents over the next few weeks to discuss the implications of a new state law.

A 3rd-grade retention law in effect this year that potentially holds back third graders that are not proficient in the English Language Arts section of state testing. Elder said many parents have voiced concern.

“I think the decision needs to be kept local,” Elder said. “Our teachers know what that child is struggling with. They know what that child needs extra help on. I am not for the state control of retention.”

Elder said officials will review the options students may have to avoid retention. Students that are not proficient can participate in summer school or a tutoring program to advance if they show gains.

Elder said she thinks it is not fair for a single section of a state test to determine if a child passes or fails.