In America , our students are grouped by chronological age and progress together through the K-12 system . While this might make sense socially , it ignores a student ’ s readiness . Even though unpopular , some students may actually benefit by being retained . Students who start off struggling from the very beginning can often get a better start on their formal education if retained . Being promoted with their peer group only makes sense if they can make adequate academic progress . Additionally , having teachers genuinely interested in them can make all the difference , especially if a student does not have actively engaged parents .
It is recognized that most children are beginning kindergarten prepared with plenty of knowledge about letters , numbers , shapes , and other miscellaneous skills , because of the numerous educational toys and educational programs to which they have been subjected . Usually , it is easier to teach skills like staying focused on a task , organizing thoughts , impulse control and managing emotions to younger students than older ones .
Starting early and focusing on these skills in Pre-K and Kindergarten may be more helpful to students in the long run than just the reading , writing and arithmetic usually taught . There is already likely a wide gap between the abilities of Pre-K and Kindergarten students before they even reach our public schools . It is at that early age that we may need to focus most to give children the background they need to succeed in the public-school environment regardless of their social-economic status .
This year in the Tennessee General Assembly , Senator Reginald Tate and Representative Raumesh Akbari brought legislation to address the high number of children suspended or expelled from Kindergarten . That subject has been referred to summer study by the legislature . The findings are expected to reveal the veracity behind why so many young children are not ready for Pre-K and Kindergarten . In addition , Senator Jeff Yarbro suggested legislation on more formalizing Pre-K . Both of these subjects are likely to continue to be debated in Tennessee , and across the nation . often criticized , perhaps unfairly , about an over emphasis on making Students “ College and Career Ready .” Yet in reality , the emphasis is mainly on being “ College Ready .” It raises the question as to why we are pushing it on students so hard when there are other significant opportunities like trade or technical schools ? It may be a bias in our culture . However , all students who want the opportunity to try college should be encouraged . And so called “ failure ” may really be a result of a bad fit and not necessarily lack of skills . Drive , determination , and the will to succeed are an imperative to individual success . And educators must continue stressing the various pathways to success .
Governor Bill Haslam should be commended for the Drive to 55 Initiative , a commitment to get 55 percent of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree . The Drive to 55 is focused on ensuring that more Tennesseans are equipped with the skills and credentials that will be needed to support the state ’ s economy now and in the future . It is a smart strategy .
While the reality is that college may not be for everyone , roughly 26 % of Americans already have a Bachelor ’ s Degree , and it is clear that to be successful in the future some form of postsecondary education needs take place . Success will mean more education in the future , whether it is the military , a technical school , junior college , or at a university . Even McDonald ’ s has “ Hamburger University ” ( McDonald ’ s Center of Training Excellence ). McDonald ’ s founder Ray Kroc once said , “ If we are going to go anywhere , we ’ ve got to have talent . And , I ’ m going to put my money in talent .”
It is important that educators get to know each student on an individual and personal basis , and having ongoing conversations about their personal goals in life makes a difference . Students must be guided and supported , not only at home or school , but also within the community . Yes , life may be hard , but the end result of our efforts is worth it . And learning that when we fail , and we all fail , we simply get back up and try again . In the end that may be the most important lesson of all .
On the other end of the spectrum , the state is