PD*Poll: How big a deal should we make of eighth grade graduation?
Categories: In the news, Playground bureau, Education
In a time when American schools seem to be failing students in so many ways, celebrating the students who finish and graduate would appear to be a good thing. After all, as parents we all know that positive reinforcement is the key to raising successful kids. So what's wrong with congratulating kids who graduate with parties and proms and awards?
Nothing really, if we're talking about college graduation, or high school. But do kids finishing eighth grade really need to graduate?
Educators are saying no.
An article in today's New York Times looks at how eighth grade graduation has gone berserk, with students partying it up in fancy dresses and limousines. Andre Cowling, principal of Harvard Elementary, one of Chicago's worst performing schools, say that eighth grade graduation is "a big business event: everyone has on a new outfit, manicures, pedicures, the hair. And then," he said, "kids go to 5, 10 parties in the neighborhood, in hotels."
But it's not just the pampering and party hopping that causes concern; it's the sense that graduating from eighth grade is somehow the end of your education. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama puts it this way: "Now hold on a second - this is just eighth grade. So, let's not go over the top. Let's not have a huge party. Let's just give them a handshake.
"You're supposed to graduate from eighth grade."
Educators blame parents for the hoopla, saying that every year the bar is raised higher, with moms and dad hiring party planners and sending out elaborate invitations for dinner cruises and other over-the-top festivities.
What say you: is finishing the eighth grade an excuse for a big blow-out or is a handshake enough?
Nothing really, if we're talking about college graduation, or high school. But do kids finishing eighth grade really need to graduate?
Educators are saying no.
An article in today's New York Times looks at how eighth grade graduation has gone berserk, with students partying it up in fancy dresses and limousines. Andre Cowling, principal of Harvard Elementary, one of Chicago's worst performing schools, say that eighth grade graduation is "a big business event: everyone has on a new outfit, manicures, pedicures, the hair. And then," he said, "kids go to 5, 10 parties in the neighborhood, in hotels."
But it's not just the pampering and party hopping that causes concern; it's the sense that graduating from eighth grade is somehow the end of your education. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama puts it this way: "Now hold on a second - this is just eighth grade. So, let's not go over the top. Let's not have a huge party. Let's just give them a handshake.
"You're supposed to graduate from eighth grade."
Educators blame parents for the hoopla, saying that every year the bar is raised higher, with moms and dad hiring party planners and sending out elaborate invitations for dinner cruises and other over-the-top festivities.
What say you: is finishing the eighth grade an excuse for a big blow-out or is a handshake enough?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mamacita 6-22-2008 @ 1:50PM
The only thing stupider than a big deal 8th grade graduation is a big deal kindergarten graduation. Both are nothing but a parent's big deal photo op. Sure, there are kids for whom the 8th grade is probably the only thing they'll ever finish for the rest of their lives, but why "celebrate" that kind of kid?
Total waste of time and money.
Reply
Jenni 6-22-2008 @ 2:30PM
Got to disagree, there is something stupider than both: PRESCHOOL graduation. I run a preschool through an agency and I am the only center that refuses to hold a graduation. We have a fairwell carnival for those leaving for kindergarten, but that's it. The rest of them get the cap and gowns, diplomas, and go all out.
I give the children a carnival and a disc with all the pictures we took of them through the years.
Graduations have gotten way out of control; even to the point in letting those graduate who don't even deserve it.
Mamacita 6-22-2008 @ 4:46PM
Jenni, I stand corrected. You are absolutely right!
ame s 6-22-2008 @ 3:24PM
My daughters graduated from Pre-K twice because they tested in when they were technically supposed to still be in preschool, then from Kindergarten. Our elementary school only goes to 4th grade. There was an honors ceremony for my 4th grader but no graduation ceremony.
The school I attended didn't have 8th grade graduation but some of the smaller county schools did. A friend of mine attended a school that only went to 6th grade and they had a graduation ceremony.
I don't see a need to have a graduation ceremony for 8th grade. If i sit and think about it, I don't see the big deal about graduating from high school. If one wants to get anywhere in today's world, finishing high school is only the beginning, not an end.
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ninainindia 6-23-2008 @ 12:04AM
I think the elaborate parties as you describe are unnecesary but I do think it's nice to have a farewell ceremony. After elementary school things change a lot. You leave your childhood behind, and everyone goes off to different schools.
I remember my school had a barbecue, the teachers sang us a song and one teacher wrote a poem for each child. It was great and a nice closure of the time spent at that school.
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