Navigating Retention for Students

Retention is a complex topic for many parents who are in third grade. Many state tests are coming up and parents need to be aware of the laws related to repeating the grade again. At least 29 states have some legislature in place for third-grader retention. The retention laws are for students that did not pass the state test. Some of the laws are mandatory, and some are not.

Most research findings show adverse outcomes for holding a child back. It also shows that it does not improve academic performance. Most found it was detrimental to self-esteem and social/emotional development. A traumatic event for a child can be repeating a grade. A child that is 8 or 9 does not understand why they are not moving on with their friends is harrowing.

Many times, the decision-maker is the classroom teacher. Most school districts have guidelines for retention for teachers and administrators. It is usually the whole school year’s academic performance. It can also be a result of too many absences. Sometimes it can be it the child is immature or too young for his/her development. Review your district’s policy for retention.

If your child is being considered for retention, understand your rights. If your child has a disability and an IEP, your child has educational rights. An IEP is Individual Education Program. If your child has an IEP, the federal law for students with disabilities is IDEA. IDEA is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The process of retaining a child with an IEP is much more complicated. The child with an IEP is in need of educational support to be successful in an educational setting. School districts often have a different process if the child has special needs. Review your rights for children that have disabilities.

Parents research what is right for your child. Tell the teacher and /or administrator that you disagree with the decision. Then follow the process with the district and state for due process. Communicate your child’s needs to the district.

Suppose a child repeats a grade with the same curriculum and strategies. The child is not learning any new tools. What will make them successful? Ask what will be different. What different techniques are used? Discover what instruction will be different. A different teacher in the same school will not make much of a difference. It is the district with the same content and strategies.

Come to the meeting prepared and with questions. You are the advocate for your child, and you know him/her the best. Just because a district says the child will be retained. It does not mean you have no steps to take to reverse the decision. Know your district’s and state’s policies and procedures for retaining children. Follow the steps to disagree with the decision.