School lets students move on when ready

A change recommended by Gov. Nathan Deal’s Education Reform Commission would let more students move ahead when they master the material, even if they do so before most of their classmates.

That “competency-based” approach is already used at Locust Grove Middle School in Henry County, and the principal there says it’s working. Students who excel move on. Those who are struggling slow down and try different methods, like exploring math or science concepts through art.

Proponents say that setup doesn’t have to be costly, but teacher advocates and other observers worry it could indeed be too expensive and too complicated to administer with current resources. Locust Grove’s computer-based approach could be encouraged across the state if Deal follows his commission’s recommendation.