Minnesota Senator Chuck Wiger has introduced a bill (SF405) that would allow students in the classes of 2010 through 2014 to graduate even if they repeatedly fail the basic skills test. He isn't saying that students will graduate even if they fail AP Nuclear Physics. He is saying that four years of Minnesota students do not have to demonstrate Basic Skills in order to graduate. I am apalled that any state Senator would take the time and effort to legislate approved failure.
Senator, instead of a three strikes and you graduate bill, how about legislating assistance programs for those students who need it to learn the basic skills. Letting these students out of the education system without the basic skills we have promised them is the same as giving up on them. As a Minnesotan, I expect more of our education system, and of you.
