The purpose of this review study was to conduct a thematic exploration of prior studies related to the transition between primary and secondary school. The aim of the paper was to discover (1) the extent of earlier research, (2) how earlier research thematises social and emotional issues, and (3) suggestions of those studies concerning how to…

Based on a Phi Delta Kappa/Center on Evaluation, Development, and Research (CEDR) literature search, this article discusses Gregg Jackson's 1975 comprehensive review of 44 studies examining the effect of grade repetition on low-achieving children's performance. Reviews later research identifying effective retention strategies and alternatives to…

The purpose of this article is to share school research that studied the factors perceived by students as having the greatest influence regarding their transition from eighth grade to ninth grade. Students at a large comprehensive Midwestern high school completed a survey in which they rated the items they believed assisted them in finding success…

Although previous reviews of acceleration outcomes have been markedly positive, practitioners have markedly negative perceptions of acceleration's efficacy. This article reviews and evaluates academic, social, and emotional benefits of early school entrance, grade skipping, nongraded classrooms, curriculum compacting, grade telescoping, concurrent…

In general, retention at any grade level has not improved student achievement or social adjustment. Skimpy data on transition rooms seem to indicate that they are not very successful either. The reasons that have been given to explain why retention has not worked range from the school's inability to diagnose student needs to rigid curriculum and…

At some time in most teachers' professional lives, they will be faced with making a decision about retaining a student. Although many teachers choose to retain students because they believe it will benefit the student, most studies find the practice of retention either harmful or ineffective. After a review of the literature, a survey was…

Reviews the history of the practice of having students repeat grades and examines the research both for and against the practice. (FL)

Survey responses of 407 elementary school principals revealed that the factors most influencing principals' decisions to retain students include lack of mastery of material, local and state accountability standards, and the student's maturity level and chronological age. Principals also believe children should be retained in the early years.…

This research summary presents findings and restates policy conclusions as to whether grade retention or promotion is more beneficial for students with serious academic problems. It is claimed that research to date does not provide a conclusive answer to this issue, that serious methodological problems prohibit all but tentative conclusions, and…

Reviewed court cases concerning student retention and found that courts generally defer to the promotion-retention decisions of school officials. However, courts may demand additional justification for retention decisions based on a single criteria and are likely to overturn school retention decisions that have a disproportionate impact on…

It is estimated that around 2.4 million students per year were retained in U.S. schools in the late 1990s. Are these children receiving the best educational services to suit their needs? Are there differences between low-achieving students who are not retained and those who are? Researchers and practitioners are asking these and other questions as…

Disputes between school officials and students over actions taken in academic matters have increasingly become the subject of litigation. This paper addresses the question of whether academic decisions are subject to review by the courts. It takes a close look at the traditional nonintervention stance adopted by the judiciary. (Author)

Research findings indicate that grade retention leads to problems in student self-esteem and raises the dropout level. A transition grade between kindergarten and first grade is also considered harmful to students. Cites changes in different states' retention policies. (MLF)

Discusses the practice of retaining children in grade, and presents evidence against the procedure. Posits that failing children only increases the likelihood that they will perform poorly in school, develop poor self-concepts, and eventually drop out of school. Retention also disproportionately affects poor and minority children, males, and…

Retention of pupils results in a need for additional teachers, facilities, and materials at a rate approximating the rate of retention. Retention is a more serious problem for the state, which needs to pay most of these increased costs. This paper reviews the research evidence to assess the cost-effectiveness of student retention policies.…