What passes for "school reform" in Detroit

Testing madness

Under a new order, so-called social promotion would be prohibited for those pre-K through third-grade students now taking the assessment tests, says Detroit Public Schools emergency financial manager Robert Bobb.

"I would classify myself as a hater when it comes to social promotion," Bobb said. "And that's just why my academic team is conducting these assessments ... so we know where these children are deficient." (Detroit Free Press)

Michigan state Supt. Mike Flanagan then strips the strategy bare:

"It's shameful," an obviously frustrated Flanagan said of the practice. " 'Let's move these kids out that don't get it. ... Let's keep the kids who are fun to keep and move the rest to alternative schools!' "

Move the kids out. Where have we heard that before? Must have been New Orleans.

Oh, and while we're on the topic of Detroit's new reform strategy, don't forget the district's exciting new business partnership.