Supporters, opponents discuss bill that would hold third graders back for reading

Several teachers, superintendents and education organization leaders spoke against a bill that would hold back third graders who are identified as having a “proficient reading deficiency.”

Under LB1050, which was introduced by Sen. Dave Murman for Gov. Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Education would be required to set a threshold level for the statewide assessment and alternative assessments to identify students reading at or above grade level. Additionally, the department would create a “test-based student portfolio” as another option to evaluate students on their reading.

School districts would then be required to hold back any third-graders who do not reach any of those thresholds and are deemed to have a “proficient reading deficiency.”

Already in the law is a requirement for schools to test students in kindergarten through third grade three times during the school year. Any student identified as needing help will have an individualized reading improvement plan. The bill would add a class for third graders who were held back that includes individualized reading instruction, evidence-based reading intervention, a focus on phonics and monitoring of their progress.

Murman said he doesn’t anticipate having to hold many students back because there would be more focus on helping students earlier.

“We're getting students the extra — those that need it — the extra help starting kindergarten, first and second grade,” Murman said.

Nebraska State Education Association president Tim Royers, who opposed the bill, also pointed out there may be a mistake in the bill based on comments from Murman and other proponents. Right now, the bill would only create those interventions for third graders who are struggling. He said it’s likely meant to include kindergartners through second graders as well.

Lisa Schonhoff, who is a member of the State Board of Education but was not speaking for the board, spoke in support of the bill. She said there is a stigma attached to holding students back at any grade, but it's important to identify students who need help earlier.

“I would highly disagree that it's more stigmatic to keep passing them on to the point of middle school, because, as we know, teachers that are teaching beyond kindergarten, first and second grade are not as equipped to teach kids to read,” Schonhoff said.

Schonhoff said she believes the funding is already in place as the state is spending $15,000 per student. The bill has an $850,000 fiscal note attached to it, which was estimated by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Kathy Poehling, president of the Omaha Education Association, said there needs to be more funding for schools. She spoke against the bill, saying the state should be looking at supporting teachers with behavior challenges and overcrowding.

“How can a child learn to read when the teacher is busy keeping students off counters or ensuring the physical safety of the class,” Poehling said. “We don't have a retention problem. We have a resource and safety crisis.”

Danielle Larson, an elementary reading specialist in Gretna, said she’s never seen retention as a tool for helping kids read better.

“At Gretna public schools, we operate with the mantra of we do what's good for kids, and this bill is not good for kids,” Larson said. “It limits local decision making and fails to take into account individual student needs and professional educator judgment.”

The education committee will decide whether or not to send the bill to the floor for debate. There is no timeline for voting a bill out of committee.