The Great Debate Surrounding Grade Retention

Print

Posted: Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

By: Dr. Laura

As the school year winds down, many parents and teachers are discussing plans for the next school year. At Education.com, we have received a large number of questions in our online community, JustAsk, regarding the topic of grade retention. In general, the questions go something like this, “My child’s teacher is recommending that my child be retained another year. What should I do?” Given the large number of parents who are struggling with this questions, I decided to tweet about it on Twitter @ChildPsych. The tweet generated such a healthy debate on the advantages and disadvantages of grade retentions, I thought I might keep the conversation going in the form of a blog post.

To date, the majority of research suggests that grade retention does NOT positively impact children. For example, Dr. Jimerson conducted a meta-analysis (analyzing the cumulative results of previous research on the topic) in 2001, finding that “grade retention does not provide greater benefits to students with academic or adjustment difficulties than does promotion to the next grade.” Experts have theorized that the characteristics that predisposed the child to difficulty in school initially, persist throughout development, effectively “trumping” any short term gains that could be earned with grade retention. Indeed, the evidence is so strong, the National Association of School Psychologists issued a position statement (the top thinkers in the field of school psychology convened together, discussed the topic, and declared a final declaration on the topic) recommending that parents and teachers limit the use of grade retention.

Despite the evidence, I do recognize that grade retention can be beneficial for some students. Some students simply need another year of development to be “ready” in order to access the classroom curriculum. I recommend that parents do their best to  get the latest information available on grade retention, talk with their child’s teacher and school administrators, and use their gut to make the best decision possible. And, when in doubt, JustAsk!

I'm a child psychologist with a long background in diagnosing and treating kid and teen social-emotional issues. I've also spent quite a bit of time in schools, providing support and guidance to parents, students, and teachers on strategies to improve the school experience for struggling students. I don't pretend to know it all, but I do my best to offer sound information and advice!

Tags: , , ,

Add comment Print

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “The Great Debate Surrounding Grade Retention”

  1. ALINA Says:
    May 20th, 2009 at 6:45 am

    I totally agree with this. Even if it’s hard for the parent to accept if a child needs one more year to get ready this option must be provided. After all in time the child can be moved a grade up if he/She and parent feel that the gap (that requiered the child to stay behind) was closed

  2. Baby Gifts Says:
    May 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am

    I believe it is necessary for a child who is having severe trouble to have the option of retention. If they continue to move forward, the rest of their school age years will be filled with schoolwork they may not be able to grasp which seems alot more damaging than being older than the other kids in the class.

  3. Linda Cramer Says:
    May 29th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I believe that grade retention is a very negative option, when the adults around the student are negative about it. In some cases, I think it is wise to do. Although, if the child is a larger child, it can have severe consequences. I’ve seen kids that are made fun of if they are larger than their peers. There are other options out there that parents can take to help their child be at grade level. It does require a commitment from parents to put their child first.

  4. Ares Vista Says:
    June 17th, 2009 at 9:37 am

    The child should be given the chance to attend summer school, after hours tutoring, or an extra-curricular course of their choice. Encourage the child to learn more, have more fun, be more active. DO NOT punish the child by making him face the entire year filled with shame and humiliation. This is just cruel and lazy. PARENTS: Take a pro-active role in your child’s education. I guarantee that if you do, grade retention will not be such a major issue.

Leave a Reply

Submit Comment