Grade retention decisions are high-risk because this practice can significantly affect students' academic and professional path and their socioaffective development. This study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of second-grade retention decision-making by exploring the factors the professionals consider during the retention…

Grade retention is one of the most discussed and controversial educational measures, and yet, it is still widely applied in many countries. Research investigating the effects of grade retention on students' psychosocial variables presents mixed findings, partly due to the variables assessed, methodological issues, and the length of the studies.…

This study investigates the effects of an alternative approach to grade retention, known as a "remediation measure." This measure was tested in 2010-2011 in two high schools in Quebec (Canada) and its effects on students' achievement motivation were analyzed. Specifically, the evolution of general and domain-specific expectancy and value…

Our goals in this study were to examine (a) the degree to which teacher perceptions of children's behavior in kindergarten (averaged across fall and spring for each child) predict retention by Grade 5 and (b) whether these relationships are moderated by student race, gender, or socioeconomic status (SES). Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal…

Retention is a frequently used strategy to support children who are struggling academically. However, the strategy is costly, and research findings with regard to positive outcomes are mixed. This study examined whether efficacious reading instruction might reduce rates of retention in first grade. We also evaluated the reading instruction the…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether students retained in first grade, relative to similarly low-achieving students who were promoted, differed in the number of remedial educational services received by students in the pre-retention year and in the repeat year. Study participants were 769 relatively low-achieving first-grade…

This multilevel study examines the extent to which individual- and school-level variables are predictive of three aspects of students' perceived school climate (order, safety, and discipline; fairness and clarity of school rules; and teacher-student relationship) by using a nationally representative sample. A wide range of social and academic risk…

Research examining student outcomes (e.g., achievement, adjustment) after grade retention reveals that it does not result in long-term improvements for students; however, grade retention continues to be used as an intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine retention decision-making practices, as well as school psychologists' knowledge,…

Evaluated effects of nonpromotion in 137 high school students who had been retained in a grade, had participated in a junior first-grade program, or were matched controls. Results indicated that participants in junior first-grade programs were at par with peers, whereas grade repeaters made less progress in high school. (NRB)

Examined relationship between extra-year programs and later school achievement among 95 children who were either retained in kindergarten, placed in transition classroom, recommended for extra-year program but went to first grade, or advanced to first grade without reservation. Found that children retained performed significantly lower on…

Compared grade-retained high school students (n=38) with matched nonretained students. Retained student were lower on scholastic variables and self-esteem and were more often absent. The later student was retained was associated with lower grades, educational expectations, and self-control; more discipline problems and external locus of control;…

Examined practice of grade retention and its effects in two Utah school districts in 102 students recommended for retention. Showed retention did not benefit the children academically, personally, or socially. Reanalysis showed retention did not benefit these subgroups of children: children receiving supplementary instruction, children of average…

Compared two groups of children who were equally unready for school at start of kindergarten: one group (N=40) was retained in kindergarten and the other group (N=40) was not retained. When compared after completion of first grade no differences were found on outcome measures of reading achievement, math achievement, social maturity, learner…

Reviews school retention practices, compares children recommended for retention (N=144) with controls (N=68), and examines the effects of retention with promotion in similarly functioning children. Results indicated retention did not benefit children academically or in personal or social adjustment. (JAC)

Reviewed school records of elementary school students (N=313) to determine effects of age of entry and gender on later academic achievement and grade retention. Twelve students were of legal age for school entry but were redshirted. Found statistically significant but relatively small achievement differences between oldest and youngest children…