Ivey faces Decision on Promotion Requirement for 3rd Graders

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is weighing whether to delay next year’s high-stakes requirement to hold back third-graders who aren’t reading on grade level. Ivey has through Thursday to sign legislation by Democratic Sen. Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham that would push back the promotion requirement from the 2021-22 school year to the 2023-24 school year.

If she does not sign the bill, the legislation will die by what is known as a pocket veto. Lawmakers approved the delay after the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the school year. Opponents argue it will be a disservice to students to delay the promotion requirement.

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