Retention
is the language schools use when they refer to students who
remain in the same grade as they were the previous school
year. It is the same as saying someone failed, flunked, or
got held back; we all know those terms. Research consistently
shows that retention is an ineffective intervention for academic
achievement and that it actually creates negative outcomes.
However, recent change in education policy, including grade
level promotion standards and Adequate Yearly Progress, has
resulted in a renewed emphasis on grade retention and an end
to social promotion. This month's Family Education feature
addresses questions on this important and controversial topic.
This feature will answer some basic questions about why a
child might be considered for retention, who decides if retention
is appropriate, and your role as parent in the decision making
process.
Why
would a child be considered for retention? The most obvious
is a failure to learn all of the academic skills required
in a particular grade. Because each grade builds on the one
before it, learning the essential skills in one grade level
is critical for academic success at the next. When a child
fails to learn the required skills and the possibility of
retention looms, the most important factor to consider is
why. Some children learn skills very quickly while others
need more time and practice. If you know what skills your
child should be learning each year and you stay informed of
his/her progress you can intervene before your child gets
too far behind. As parents, you are responsible for finding
out exactly why your child's teacher may be thinking about
retaining your child. Request a meeting with your child's
teacher and an administrator be prepared to ask tough questions.
You should ask what skills your child has failed to learn
and how these skills were evaluated. It would be helpful to
know how they were taught, especially if you understand how
your child learns best. An important resource that you can
access to learn about the skills your child is expected to
learn is the IN State Department of Education website. Being
informed is critical when you meet with teachers and administrators
for any reason, but especially when discussing retention.
You will find nearly everything you need to know here: www.indianastandardsresources.org.
Educating
children is a shared responsibility; parents are responsible
for making sure their children are prepared to learn and for
reinforcing skills at home, teachers and administrators are
responsible for delivering effective instruction, accurately
evaluating progress, and intervening when necessary. Children
are responsible for all the work that goes into learning.
Be sure to consider all options such as, hiring a private
tutor, attending summer school, and allowing time for extra
skill work both at home and school. All involved should take
part in the decision making process, including children, whenever
appropriate. The decision to mark a student's final report
card with Pass or Retain does not come easily and should never
be taken lightly. Find out more; check out the following links
for accurate information on retention and its short and long
term effects on children.
www.psparents.net/Retention.htm
www.ed.gov/pubs/socialpromotion/index.html
www.schwablearning.org/articles
education.ucsb.edu/jimerson/retention
