Examines current research to decide whether students who are doing poor academically or who have a social or emotional problem, will benefit from grade retention rather than promotion to the next grade. (DEP)

Because studies have variously analyzed the effects of nonpromotion on elementary and junior high school students--with some studies selecting control groups from within the same school and others without, some from age-peers and others from grade-peers--this meta-analysis mathematically integrates the research findings to coordinate their…

This study investigates the correlates and consequences of grade repetition on student academic progress and social and emotional development using the first grade cohort data from the "Prospects" longitudinal database. Analyses looked at two types of comparisons, same age and same grade, on three contrasting groups of students: (1) retained…

Study showed that levels of repetition and dropping out in the primary schools of 121 countries in Africa, Asia and Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and the USSR from 1970 to 1980 remain very high. This educational wastage is costing a great deal of money. (RM)

This report examines the limitations of research that has been conducted on the effects of retention and social promotion. It reexamines seven research studies that provide strong evidence based on strong methodology that includes the following three characteristics: (1) the studies identify the basis of comparison, that is, whether they are…

The academic performance of 86 mainstreamed learning-disabled students was compared with that of 87 low-achieving students. Significant differences were found between the groups' grades in social studies and health but not in science. Of intelligence quotient, reading level, and absence rates, only absence rates differentiated between ninth grade…

The impact of retention in kindergarten on academic achievement and behavior was studied for 53 retained children and 53 matched promoted peers. The academic advantages indicated in the second year of kindergarten were not maintained past kindergarten. Results do not support retention as an effective policy for young children. (SLD)

This 10-year study compared the achievement of 3 samples of students designated at-risk for school failure and 1 sample deemed not at risk, and followed a transitional first-grade school readiness program (SRP) population from prekindergarten through eighth grade to identify contextual factors associated with student progress. At-risk samples were…