This monograph reviews pertinent research and issues concerning grade retention in an effort to understand the implications for retention and promotion policies, especially in elementary schools. The monograph discusses 11 topics, including: (1) the historical context of retention and promotion; (2) the link between grade retention and dropouts;…

The education dollar is poorly spent when students drop out of school, and even more poorly spent when students repeat grades. A review of the research on student promotion and grade repetition discloses two basic philosophies underpinning practices in this area. Those arguing for grade repetition assume that academic factors determine success and…

This paper--part of a collection of 54 papers from the 48th annual conference of the Education Law Association held in November 2002--discusses high-stakes testing. Specifically, it examines the high-stakes testing program in Chicago public schools, a grade-promotion policy that uses a standardized test as the primary basis for promotion. Although…

This theme issue on acceleration of gifted students offers an Ontario (Canada) perspective on early entrance to school and grade-skipping. It begins with a history of acceleration programs and then outlines their current status, with less than 40 percent of school boards with gifted programs using some form of acceleration. It goes on to analyze…

In order to identify factors which indicate a student would benefit educationally from retention, and to provide information and recommendations to educators, parents, and others involved in the decision to retain a child, this paper addresses the issue of retention in four major areas: the historical basis of retention, negative and positive…

This general review of the relative merits of social promotion and retention examines research on the benefits of each, describes current strategies for resolving the policy dilemma involved, and considers issues raised by abolishing social promotion and establishing remedial programs. A summary of the history of the widespread adoption of the…

This booklet summarizes a government white paper outlining the development of Japanese education since the adoption of the new system following World War II. The report is organized into six main sections. The framework of the national educational system is introduced and charted in section 1, followed by a discussion of the expansion and…

This information packet contains nine articles that outline current trends in kindergarten retention/exclusion and their negative impact on student outcomes, particularly for high risk students. The 1980s saw increasing numbers of children required to repeat kindergarten, attend a transitional grade before first grade, or wait an extra year before…

This monograph consists of 22 reprints of reports published since 1979 in the Middle School Journal's regular column "What Research Says to the Practitioner." Each report synthesizes research studies related to effective implementation of middle school programs and concludes with a list of references. The contents are divided into two main…

Court cases involving the relationship between institutions of higher education and their students during 1979 are discussed in this sixth and final chapter. The Iranian crisis and economic conditions during the year both affected cases touching on several of the topics addressed. These topics include such constitutional issues as rights of…

The movement towards state-mandated minimum competency testing peaked in 1977-1978. Activity now centers on implementation: most programs will be implemented by 1980-81. To initiate programs, twenty-four states have used the state board approach, 20 enacted legislation, and six have passed both board and legislation mandates. Only Maine, Kansas,…

The current status of education for 1999 is presented as an indicator report, analyzing key data that measure the health of education, monitor important developments, and show trends in major aspects of education. Each year, about 60 indicators are selected that represent a consensus of professional judgment on the most significant national…