Speaking out about the need for mental, behavioral, and physical health resources.

Grades matter more than learning to too many people in our society, including teachers, parents, and students, opines the author of the Speaking Out article in the November/December issue of Principal. It’s understandable how we got to this point. Honor roll caliber students are rewarded for their grades by the community, earning free admission to amusement parks, free pizzas, and discounts on insurance.

In the September/October  Speaking Out, the author declares his “detest” for grade retention, saying that some teachers are too quick to suggest retention for struggling students. The author says students who repeat a grade seldom persist to graduation. What interventions does your school have in place before retaining a student? Tell us what you think.

AYP scores giving you the blues? The author of the May/June Speaking Out article says principals shouldn’t allow school-accountability labels bring them down. “Rather than fear the label, today’s building leader should embrace the realities and seek to lead in a climate that is desperately craving instructional leaders and role models for the school community to follow,” writes William Sterrett.