And that should not be remotely controversial.

It’s the foundation of education. Without it, school is difficult for the rest of educational life.

I have a BA, a BS, and an MA. I found learning to read boring beyond belief when I was young. It wasn't until they finally gave me something interesting to read that I jumped into it with both feet. If a kid can't read find out the reason why. Don't just hold them back to repeat what didn't work the first time. All these mandatory laws do is further restrict teachers and educators in doing their job. And, no, I'm not a teacher.

students do such and such by grade whatever and such and such by the next grade is not helping. Where did we go so wrong on education? Yes, I'm not the ordinary student, but I'm a good example of how the un-ordinary student can be punished. If I was going through the system today I would be held back, shamed, and deemed low intelligence. I'm not, obviously. When they were still taking IQs I had one in the mid 130s. But there are lots and lots of youngsters out there in the same boat. I don't have clue how to change the system as it has grown. I just know that it is not supportive of anyone not in the middle of the bell curve.