Call Us Retention in a Certain Grade or not Parent be aware
Parents you should be aware that now is the time that schools start discussing the idea for a child to be retained. Many schools and states have rules /laws about student retention. Retention is not making significate progress in the student’s grade. The focus usually starts in third grade because of the importance of state testing. Third grade is also the time the students have learned to read and now is the turning point to reading to learn. Review your child’s school’s/ district’s requirement for promotion. Since COVID many students are still having difficulty catching up. Some schools are thinking about their rules for retention. Retaining a child is holding the child in the current grade to repeat in the following school year. It is because the child did not make the academic growth to move to the next grade. Research has shown other options for retention. Examples other than retention are transitional grade, individualized instruction, extended school year, or extended day.
Remember parents you are part of the decision-making process with the school. Many schools now have on the report cards if the child is in jeopardy of being “held back”. Ask the teacher questions about why he/she thinks that your child is struggling. Also, ask to see the data. Ask if the school has an MTSS ( multi-tiered system of supports) or RTI (response to intervention) for intensive intervention. Remember children develop differently. It is especially true for some boys that mature and develop at slower rates than girls. They may need some time. and support for the development of the brain. Many times retention can affect your child’s social/emotional development. Sometimes it can be more damaged than his/her academic development. The child may feel so defeated and stupid that it may affect them for a very long time.
Parents, retaining a child is a huge decision. Review your child’s report card and attend the conferences and above all ask questions. If your state has mandatory retention laws, ask your school about it. But parents are still a part of the process and need to have a voice if their child is retained or not.
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