Oklahoma's Incoming Superintendent Franklin on Third-Grade Retention Law: Educators Must Be Heard
Oklahoma's incoming state superintendent, Robert Franklin, said in an interview on the morning of November 4 that the state needs to take a closer look at how it implements the Strong Readers Act. The law requires some third graders who fall behind in reading to be held back; Franklin said implementation must involve input from educators and more support for students who struggle with reading.
Franklin has worked as a special education teacher and a high school principal, among other education roles. He said the law's details on whether a student meets a particular threshold are complicated, and that implementation requires thoughtful discussion with educators and additional training so students receive appropriate support. He also questioned whether a student who needs reading help should miss out on fourth-grade math opportunities, arguing students should be allowed to excel where they can and be supported where they struggle, with teachers helping to make those calls.
Franklin was elected Oklahoma's next state superintendent on November 3. In the interview he did not promise immediate changes to the law, emphasizing that he first wants to understand how it works on the ground before deciding how to adjust support measures.
(Source: News 9)
Source: News 9
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：俄克拉荷马州议会大厦。经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Oklahoma State Capitol. Via Wikimedia Commons.