THE EFFORT TO END THE PRACTICE OF "SOCIAL PROMOTION" IS ON LIFE-SUPPORT AT THE LEGISLATURE AFTER A SENATE COMMITTEE TABLED THE MEASURE OVER THE WEEKEND. EDUCATION SECRETARY-DESIGNATE HANA SKANDERA SAYS CRITICS OF THE BILL WHO SAY PARENTS ARE LEFT OUT OF THE PROCESS ARE WRONG.

SHE SAYS IF A STUDENT STILL CAN'T READ BY THE END OF THIRD GRADE, A PARENT STILL HAS FINAL SAY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE STUDENT GOES TO THE 4TH GRADE. BUT SKANDERA SAYS THAT'S ONLY IF THE PARENT HAS TAKEN PART IN THE INTERVENTIONS FOR THE STUDENT AND MADE SURE THE STUDENT ATTENDED SCHOOL.

SKANDARA SAYS THE SPONSOR OF A COMPANION HOUSE BILL TO THE ONE TABLED IN THE SENATE HAS SAID SHE WANTS HER BILL PASSED THROUGH COMMITTEE AND SENT TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.