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as long as graduation is a hot button issue...

Posted by
Walter Geiger
in Geiger's Counter
Thursday, May 21. 2009
Comments (34)
do you think 'seniors' who have not finished up their academic requirements or not made the grade should be allowed to march with the rest of the class?

does allowing them to march cheapen the efforts of those who actually did the work?

or, are they 'entitled' to march?
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#1 Dana on 05/21/09 at 12:06 PM
I thought Graduation was for those graduating!!!!
#1.1 anonymous 2 on 05/21/09 at 03:01 PM
That's what I thought too.
#2 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 03:51 PM
Why should they walk with everyone else. They fell short.
#3 cats on 05/21/09 at 04:40 PM
If they're finishing up in summer school, sounds to me like they shouldn't get to take the walk with the graduating class.
This is not punishment, it's common sense.
#3.1 Sheila Tolley on 05/22/09 at 11:45 AM
Ten-four, good buddy. I want to be a doctor. I do not have the schooling but....I want to be...
I almost passed.....can I operate on you?
#3.1.1 cats on 05/23/09 at 06:15 AM
Really?
I have always wanted to be a doctor too!
We should set up a practice together.
Call me.
#3.1.1.1 Sheila Tolley on 05/23/09 at 09:21 AM
Yeah. What can we name the practice, cats?
( This should get some feedback)
#3.1.1.1.1 cats on 05/25/09 at 06:29 AM
I am aiming to specialize in proctology, I see a need for it.
"Two Rad Ladies with Spoons, LLC".
What were you considering for a name? We are a partnership here and need to work together on this.
#4 concerned parent on 05/21/09 at 04:49 PM
This is one of those times where you picked the perfect word, "entitled". But recently "entitled" has been shoved down our throats. I believe if you have not, 100%, met the criteria to graduate , your little happy self should be in the seats with the rest of the spectators, and learn a true life lesson. If you want something bad enough - you must show up and work for it. Not just get by, but actually earn something and be proud you did! It does take away from the children who have made the effort!!!!
#4.1 Enoc Siuol on 05/22/09 at 07:20 AM
That’s right!……..We can’t pass up this opportunity to humiliate those who weren’t for some reason able to meet the academic level. We don’t care if mental capacity is not equal among all and to each to their own ability. We’re going to single then out and slap then down, just before life kicks them in the teeth, when they start looking for job or continuing education. Not only that it’s the Christian way of doing things. NOT!
Come on you guys…What if it was your kid that rode the short bus or for some reason fail behind? Why is it so difficult for even those who have nothing at stake to take the high road?
#4.1.1 Andrew Odom on 05/22/09 at 08:02 AM
I think we are talking about two different things here 'Enoc.' For seniors not to be able to walk it means that they either did not pass the high school graduation test (which is done in the 11th grade thereby allowing them ample time to retake the test) or they have not competed all required credits with passing marks (in this case D's or a 2.0 GPA).

If a student has mental capacity issues or learning disabilities than they typically are enrolled in classes that nurture that issue. Again, they would have the ability to graduate.

I don't think we are talking about slapping anyone down. I think rather it is about rewarding them for the adequate work they put it their education. And it really has nothing to do with Christian morals or ethics.
#4.1.1.1 Enoc Siuol on 05/22/09 at 09:18 AM
Drew.
I know exactly what you’re saying. I am not a believer in negative reinforcement. It still attacks the worth and dignity of those who have yet to understand the value of the opportunity they just passed up. Future life experiences will do a good job of that.
I have found the majority of the time this missed opportunity had more to do with what they were missing at home that in the classroom.

“Love thy brother as thyself only if he as smart as you.”
#4.1.1.2 It's Me on 05/22/09 at 04:20 PM
The mentally ill (as well as all other disabilities) children are still required to pass those graduation tests at this point in time in order to graduate. Many cannot pass these tests for many reasons and that will keep them from graduating like the 'normal' children. There are NO concessions in place for them.
#4.1.2 Sheila Tolley on 05/22/09 at 10:44 AM
How can anyone write with your intelligence and come up with such outlandish comments?
#4.1.2.1 Enoc Siuol on 05/26/09 at 10:17 AM
Shelia,

Was that comment direct toward me?
#5 It's Me on 05/21/09 at 05:12 PM
Since they will not be graduating in the current school year, I would have to say no, but with options.

There should be a guideline/policy in place that would allow a student to petition the school board to request that they be allowed if circumstances warrant it. Things like medical reasons, deaths in family, etc. With minimal requrirments left to meet.

There should always be some bend due to tragic circumstances.
#6 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 05:55 PM
to let those who have not earned the diploma walk in the graduation ceremony sort of makes the dress code and other decorum rules a mute issue. if you want dignity for those who have earned their dipoma why are you demeaning it by letting those who have not earned the right to walk to do so?
#7 Andy on 05/21/09 at 06:50 PM
I agree. A reward such as walking the field and receiving a diploma (or giving the appearance of) should not be given to a student who has, by their own shortcomings, failed to meet the requirements for graduation. However should there be circumstances totally beyond the student's or their families control (accidents, illnesses, etc...) that have caused the student to fall behind AND the student has made every possible effort to fulfill those requirements, then each case should be reviewed individually by the board and consideration given to allowing the student to walk with his/her classmates. If the kid is sincerely trying and they can meet the requirements soon then why should they be punished twice.
#8 wdm on 05/21/09 at 09:40 PM
What happens if someone is 21 and still in high school because they can't pass minimum standards? Does the school automatically kick someone out at a certain age?
#8.1 Sheila Tolley on 05/22/09 at 11:47 AM
Jethro Bodine started shaving in the sixth grade. Stay as long as you like.
#8.2 Anonymous on 05/23/09 at 01:10 AM
nope.. cant be 21 and in school from what i have heard. atleast in the regular classes. Special ed may be different. Not sure.
#8.3 Anonymous on 05/23/09 at 02:45 PM
yes they do
#9 Steve on 05/22/09 at 04:24 AM
Special circumstances might exist for some students. Still, I think allowing those who have not actually met the requirements to participate cheapens the diploma for those who have worked hard to meet them.

Ask yourself this question: what policy do you think will lead to higher graduation rates?
#10 Britt Lifsey on 05/22/09 at 06:11 AM
So, who knows Lamar County BOE policy? It can be found on page 35 of the BOE Code of Conduct. I have no idea if their practice follows their policy though.
#11 Anonymous on 05/22/09 at 09:03 AM
do you think if you get a promotion at work because you worked hard and earned it that this means every other worker should get a promotion also because they attended work . we would't want to lower their self esteem by not treating every the same.
#12 isa on 05/22/09 at 09:08 AM
You pass with the right grades or you fail.
You bake a pound cake if it rises -you have done the job right.
If it does not rise you get to bake it over again.
#13 Jack Kendrick on 05/22/09 at 09:20 AM
You have to earn the right to walk with the class that put forth the effort to complete everything they had to on time, not get the same reward just because you came close. Life is not fair but it's still life none the less. For someone not to walk with their class may seem to be a kick in the teeth to them, what does it feel like to the one's that went the extra mile, cheap.
#14 bill me on 05/22/09 at 10:25 AM
haven't we dumbed down our education system enough to "make it fair" for everyone.listen up people,life's not fair, and sooner or later these kids will have to learn that.everybody needs to understand that you have to have someone to haul of the garbage,flip the fries,clean the toilets,mop the floors,rake the leaves, Ect.. get over it they didn't preform up to the required standards as set by the school systems.with that being said they should not be allowed to walk.
#15 hahahaha on 05/22/09 at 12:43 PM
it appears here that what we have is a failure to communicate.
#16 Anonymous on 05/22/09 at 12:47 PM
I've been watching Judge Judy, Judge Brown, and Judge Alex. I think that I only missed a few shows. I wan't to be a judge, so give me my diploma and robe so I can sit behind the BIG DESK.....Thank you for allowing me to bend the rules...
#17 H B on 05/22/09 at 02:15 PM
I feel if you have met the criteria for the diploma, then you should be at the ceremony. It is obvious, if you havent, then plan to attend the ceremony, when you have met the requirements. You will be just as welcome as the rest who have met the standards.
#17.1 Anonymorus on 05/22/09 at 06:36 PM
I felt just like you about the subject. But, there have been some good points brought up that I didn't consider such as illness or accidents. I think that after reconsideration I'd have to agree with look at the circumstances and make a decision.
#17.1.1 Adam 12 on 05/23/09 at 08:48 AM
We recieved a phone call from the high school saying if you owe a fine for anything or don't turn in books and such you won't be allowed to walk. Yet some kids get to walk without meeting all the requirements. What kind of standards do we have anymore?
#18 Anonymous on 05/24/09 at 06:26 PM
This has been an ongoing problem with Lamar County over several years. They say that they are doing what neighboring schools allow. Why? Just because others schools allow students that did not meet the requirements to walk with their classmate does not mean that Lamar has to follow down the wrong path also! I am unsure what schools systems the BOE are are using as examples. And in those schools, it might have been one or two students with special circumstances.
Does anyone know the NUMBER of Lamar County seniors that are being allowed to walk without meeting all requirements? It is also a fact that in years past, the ones that were allowed and were suppose to finish in the summer that nearly 90% did not return to finish. I think that speaks loud and clear that when they get to do their walk and get their folder without anything in it (which the audience does not know) they are through with school and do not have intentions of continuing. It is not fair for the students that did meet requirements and for those that did not meet requirements, it leaves little motivation for them to follow through in the summer. It hurts them all and the audience and all of Lamar County are in the dark about it all. Only those students and parents know that they received a blank sheet of paper. Shame on Lamar County!
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