In a time of uncertain budgetary constraints and exploding expenditures, now is not the time for state education officials to tinker with grade schools.

State School Superintendent Robert Leininger said this week he is searching for schools to operate a pilot program, abolishing grades kindergarten through third. He says the effect will have students learning at their own pace so as not to hold back any other students. Also, any stigmas associated with flunking will disappear.

Constant upkeep and revisions are necessary in education. It is the essence in which education remains current and interesting. However, this idea is doomed for failure.

It will fail because the program will simply pass the buck. There are too many unanswered questions.

Failing students feel bad, regardless of their age or grade. And what happens when students don’t progress as fast as they should? Under the plan, students could be considerably younger when merged into the fourth grade while others might be considerably older.

In both cases, the stigma of being different returns.

Leininger said it isn’t a new idea and other states are contemplating the change also.

If Illinois wants to head in this direction, its officials should wait to see what happens elsewhere. We simply can’t afford to play with the children like this—let alone the money it would take.

Education is not a crapshoot.