Ethics of Social Promotion

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explores what a social promotion does and then discusses the controversy surrounding its use. A case study is also presented in which a counselor disagrees with the social promotion graduation plans for a high school student and suggests several alternatives. The writer concludes that social promotion has a place in today's school systems, however, the need for personal responsibility cannot be minimized either. The writer maintains that the ethics of social promotion must be carefully weighed in each case so that the student reaches the most appropriate decision while not being enabled to deflect personal responsibility for success or failure. Further, the writer notes that school guidance counselors must be prepared to argue their case against the unwarranted social promotion of a student, while at the same time be able to offer alternatives that can satisfy the district by maintaining an ethical standard of high quality.

Outline:
Introduction
Social Promotion Defined
Argument for Banning Social Promotion
History of Social Promotion
Ethical Dilemma
Case Study
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The practice of social promotion has been a debated topic in the field of education for many years. Those who agree with its use believe it allows a student to succeed who otherwise would have no hope of success, while those who are against its use believe it teaches students that they do not have to make an effort and they will be handed success anyway, which will harm them later in life.
School systems across the nation have been dismantling their social promotion policy over the past few years citing the fact that students need to be prepared for the real world and social promotion does not prepare them. In addition the systems dismantling their social promotion programs believe it is unfair to the students who work hard to fulfill the requirements to allow their peers to promote without the same success."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Christenson, Sandra (2005) Alternatives to retention and social promotion: the availability of instructional options. Remedial and Special Education
• _____(2006) Ending Social Promotion Means Stronger Academic Gains for Florida Students; New Study in Education Next Finds Low-Performing Students Benefit From Retention Policy. Business Wire
• Frey, Nancy (2005) Retention, social promotion, and academic redshirting: what do we know and need to know? Remedial and Special Education;
• Parker, Dennis R.(2001) Social promotion or retention? two wrongs still don't make a right.(grade promotion in schools)(Statistical Data Included) Leadership
• Winters, Marcus A.(2006) Getting ahead by staying behind: an evaluation of Florida's program to end social promotion.(research) Education Next

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