The primary purpose of this study was to explore the effect of non-promotion on the self concept of pupils in public elementary schools. First graders (N=585) from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania were administered the FACES self concept scale at two different times during the 1973-1974 school year. Of these first graders, 25 non-promoted pupils,…

This research was designed to delineate the effects of the retention in grade process upon a child's academic, social, and emotional development. The primary purpose of the study was to identify characteristics of children who benefit from the retention process. The secondary purpose was to identify those factors from the retained year that…

The findings of several longitudinal studies of low income children who participated in experimental preschool intervention programs over the past decade and a half are summarized in this report. The data resulting from these studies are organized into four categories: (1) preschool effects on target children's later school performances, including…

The Optional Extended Year (OEY) program was initiated in Texas in 1995 and was first implemented in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) in 1996. The OEY is designed to add an extended school year and reduce student retention through four school-day options: (1) extended day; (2) extended week; (3) intersessions for year-round schools;…

This is the second annual report on the Pittsburgh School District by the Pittsburgh Council on Public Education. The report presents data on the following issues: school environment (school and class size, student and teacher absences, suspensions and assaults, and school satisfaction survey highlights); student achievement (New Standards Exams,…

The progress of children through the grades of the public schools and the stage of advancement at which they quit school are matters of great educational and economic importance, and enlist the interest of both school officers and taxpayers. If many children fail to accomplish any part of the work of the school in the time prescribed, it may be…

Examines mobility's underside, including confused and rootless children and frustrated teachers. One in six third-graders has attended at least three schools. Schools with the highest mobility rates are poor, urban, and increasingly less accountable. Educators cannot remedy mobility's social causes, but are helping transient kids with electronic…

Compared children retained in kindergarten with matched samples of age and grade mates, using teacher ratings as an index of their social and academic skills. Found that retained children showed a reduction in behavior problems, specifically acting-out and shy-anxious behaviors, but only slightly increased competence for task orientation across…

Comparison of 324 neglected children and adolescents and a matched nonmaltreated sample found that the neglected children had lower grades, more suspensions, more disciplinary referrals, and more grade repetitions, even when controlling for gender and socioeconomic status. Junior high appeared to be a particularly problematic time for neglected…

Investigated effects of kindergarten schedules and prior preschool attendance on elementary children's academic achievement, incidence of grade retention, and reception of special education services in 32 Ohio school districts. In this statewide longitudinal study, children who attended preschool prior to kindergarten had greater success in…

Argues that, even though the French elementary education system has changed in recent decades, basic problems have reemerged in new forms. Maintains that, despite striking differences between France and the United States with respect to ability grouping, teaching preparation and methods, and other issues, deeper problems of the two educational…

Argues that high-stakes primary grade testing increases pressure on low-achieving schools to improve test performance and increases chances that low achieving children will be retained in grade or classified as handicapped. It is suggested that current practices be modified to eliminate motives to engage in such placement practices. (SLD)

This study examined retention in grades K-8 using data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study. Male, minority, and lower socioeconomic status (SES) students were more likely to be retained. Retention related to less optimal academic and personal-social outcomes, particularly for female, white, and higher SES students. (SM)

Evaluated effects of Chicago Child-Parent Center and Expansion Program on 559 low-income, inner-city African American children. Found that program participation for two or three years after preschool and kindergarten was associated with higher reading achievement up to seventh grade and lower cumulative grade retention and special education…

Minority students' failure is costly, resulting in increases in remedial instruction and numbers of students held back or tracked in low-ability classes. Equitable opportunities will be ensured by creating equitable structures; selecting a diverse, committed faculty; valuing all students; providing equitable funding; and garnering stakeholder…