TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ A Kansas Senate committee has narrowly rejected a proposal by Gov. Sam Brownback to hold back third-grade pupils who aren't able to meet the state standard for reading.
The 6-5 vote Tuesday means the bill remains in the Senate Education Committee, where its prospects for the remainder of the session are uncertain.
Brownback's plan would have barred promotion to fourth grade for third-graders who fail to read at a proficient level on state tests. The bill also included a grant system for early education programs aimed at boosting reading skills.
Opponents of the bill questioned its impact on students and the lack of parental involvement in the decision to hold students back a grade. Others say school districts already have the authority to retain students.
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