"I like the idea of people being able to read, but I don't know if it's a factor in their actual ability at that young age. I was a good reader when I was young, and when I got older I didn't like reading at all."

Christopher Littlefield

"Children shouldn't be left back if they don't pass. There's always room for improvement  -- like tutoring or going to the library."

Pauline Knight

"Mayor Bloomberg is wrong because our kids suffer the consequences. It's unfair."

Ivan Melendez

"The mayor's plan is good. Kids should be held to a certain level in order for them to succeed in society. If their competency level doesn't fit the criteria, they should be held back."

John Hopwah

"It's good for the parents to make sure their kids get the right education. It may be making the parents work a little more on the kids, but in the long run kids will learn more."

William Anderson