computerdisc-l: passing to the 9th grade

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

Our district has a policy that a student must fail two "academic" subjects 
and an elective to be retained in the 8th grade.  Even though it is a 
requirement, Computer Discovery falls into the "elective" category. 
 Therefore many students, since they know they do not have to pass, put our 
course on the back burner - wasting time and doing English work, math work, 
etc. in our classroom (if they can get away with it!).  This is making it 
very difficult at times for me to maintain enthusiasm about the  course. 
 I've approached the idea to the district of reconsidering Computer 
Discovery as an "elective" (as it is a requirement) since many 8th graders 
see little other than going to the high school.  Even the Carnegie unit has 
lilttle effect - the ones who are worried about having the high grade for 
their transcript WILL have a high grade.

Just out of curiosity, what is the policy in your district?  I'm curious as 
to whether others are suffering the same frustation as I am.

Cynthia Kahler
Oxford Middle School