Should My Child Repeat a Grade?
National Association of School Psychologists

* Why are children held back?
* Will my child learn more if held back a year?
* What can I do?
* How can the school psychologist help?

Why are Children Held Back?

Although there is no proof that repeating a grade is helpful, the school might recommend retention for several reasons:

                        Poor Academic Skills
                        "Johnny could not keep up this year. He
                        isn't ready for the next grade."

                        Immaturity
                        "Susie is,one of the youngest children in
                        the class. She needs more time to grow up."

                        Small Size
                        "Terry is so little. He will fit in better
                        next year if held back."

                        Frequent Move, Absences
                        "Sarah missed so much school this year. She
                        has not had a chance to learn."

                        Limited English Language Skills
                        "Elena doesn't speak enough English yet to
                        do the work."


 Repeating the Grade Help My Child  Learn?   

 Some Facts about Retention

                          1. Most children do not "catch up" when
                             they are held back.

                          2. Although some retained students do
                             better at first, these children often
                             fall behind again in later grades.

                          3. Students who are held back tend to get
                             into trouble, dislike school, and feel
                             badly about themselves more than
                             children who go on to the next grade.

                          4. "Transition" kindergarten is a type of
                             retention and is no more helpful than
                             promotion to first grade.

                          5. Many students who drop out of school
                             were held back one, two or more
                             grades.

                          6. Retention may be less harmful for
                             children who feel good about
                             themselves, get along well with
                             others, and have the skills to catch
                             up easily.

                          7. Retention might be helpful for a child
                             who missed a lot of school because of
                             illness or family movesÑ if the
                             attendance problem is solved and the
                             child will be only one year older than
                             classmates.

What Can I Do?
Neither retention nor social promotion alone help a child succeed in school.
Children need help to overcome academic or behavior problems. When they are held back,they usually have the same work and the same lessons that, did not work the first time. Parents and teachers can worktogether to find better ways to help children succeed.

You Can Help:

                        - Talk to your child's teacher often about
                        class work.
                        - At Home, ask about homework.Ê Help your
                        child find a quiet time and place to work.
                        - Make sure that your child goes to school
                        every day, eats balanced meals, gets enough
                        sleep, and receives good medical care to
                        stay healthy and alert.
                        - Let your child know that you think school
                        is very important!
                        - Find out more about the school program.Ê
                        Are there other ways to present the lessons
                        that might help your child learn better?


Special Help is Available from Many Different People at School
It's easy to feel upset or angry when your child is not doing well in school. Making a decision about retention is difficult.Ê In
addition to the teacher and the principal,
                        there are many people who can work with you
                        to help your child succeed:

                                * School Psychologist
                                * School Problem-Solving Team
                                * School Social Worker
                                * School Nurse
                                * Special Education Staff
                                * School Counselor
                                * Reading Specialist

                        How Can the School Psychologist Help?


                        School psychologists are trained in child
                        development, learning, and behavior. They
                        work with teachers, parents, and children
                        to help students become more successful.
                        For more information about retention,
                        contact:

                        NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
                        SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
                        4340 East West Highway, #402
                        Bethesda, MD 20814
                        Telephone: (301)657-0270
                        Fax: (301)657-0275


                        Remember, parents should always have a
                        voice in the final decisions about
                        retention. Ask questions and get answers!
                        Your involvement will help you decide what
                        is best for your child.


(c) 1998 National Association of School
Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite
402, Bethesda MD 20814 301-657-0270.
Permission is granted for personal use.

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