Bill Clinton

In the following viewpoint, Bill Clinton argues that public schools must end “social promotions”—the practice of allowing students to move to higher grade levels whether or not they have learned required material. Instead, students should be obligated to meet well-defined academic standards at specific grade levels before passing on to the next level. However, Clinton points out, schools should not simply require unprepared students to repeat a year. Schools should provide smaller classes, well-trained teachers, challenging curricula, after-school programs, and summer-school programs to assist those students who need extra help. Clinton is the forty-second president of the United States. This viewpoint was originally a memorandum sent to the secretary of education.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Clinton, what are the ultimate consequences of social promotions"

2. In...