This is a very difficult decision, and I commend you for getting all of the information available to you in order to make the best choice for your daughter.

As you consider grade retention for your daughter, there are a number of issues to keep in mind. First, you should learn all that you can about research examining the short- and long-term effects of grade retention. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has published a position statement (which means that prominent members of the NASP got together, reviewed the evidence, and determined their official "position" on the issue) on grade retention. Dr. Jimerson at UCSB has also conducted a great deal of research in this area, and he has suggested that more comprehensive interventions should be considered rather than simply retaining a child. Overall, the research indicates that students who are held back/retained have worse outcomes academically and emotionally than their peers who were also candidates for retention, but who were promoted. For more on this, see links below.

Although it is not uncommon for "younger" children in their class to struggle with academics and maturity, I wonder if there is a chance that your daughter could have a learning disability that is getting in her way. Has your daughter ever been tested for special education? Perhaps she may have a unique learning style and/or difference that is getting in her way, prohibiting her from accessing the school curriculum. This situation is not particularly unusual as the public school system is designed for the "typical" learner. Perhaps your daughter could benefit from some accommodations or modifications to curriculum, changing the way in which information is being presented to her. It would be worthwhile to discuss this with her teacher. With the appropriate supports, she could be quite successful in the next grade.

L. Compian, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist
Education.com