School can be very difficult for children at times, since they are expected to learn an amazing number of skills simultaneously to become a successful member of society. For kids who struggle, it can be overwhelming to learn academic, social, behavioral, and thinking skills all at one time; particularly as the academic standards are raised and the requirements increase leaving little room for individual differences and time to address instructional needs created by the actual developmental levels of children, their backgrounds, their strengths and weaknesses, and their learning styles. It is important to understand as a parent and as educators that all children learn at different rates and that everyone doesn't start on the same playing field. If retention is considered for a child, it is vital that all interested parties understand the implications and effectiveness of using retention as an intervention and also explore all other avenues of assistance for the student.
The following handouts are helpful to understand retention, its impact, and its consequences. Historically, research has not proven retention to be an effective intervention for many students despite its commonplace practice; however, this doesn't mean that it should not be considered for individual children. Please read these articles and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me in person, via phone, or by emailing me by clicking on the link on the about me page.
Grade Retention and Promotion: Handout for Parents
Grade Retention and Promotion: Information and Strategies for Teachers