Hello and thank you for writing to JustAsk!

Wow-this is a "loaded" question.  I guess as a Psychologist I would want to know much more information. Has there been circumstances which has impacted the child so greatly that he or she is not able to complete the work, distracted due to home situations, or been ill, depressed, etc.?

With that said, I would suggest that before any child is not promoted a thorough investigation by professionals and parents be conducted. I truly believe that not promoting a child is rarely, if ever, the answer.   I have seen much of what you described and there usually is some underlying situation which has impacted the child's academic attainment greatly.

Thank you for writing.