Grade Retention and Social Promotion

Each year nearly 2.5 million elementary school children are failed. Economic analyses suggest that this costs taxpayers over US$20 billion each year. Given the recent political momentum pushing for increased standards and accountability in our schools, actions toward an "end to social promotion" are occurring nationally. However, the research during the past 30 years fails to demonstrate the effectiveness of early grade retention as an academic intervention. In addition to the economic and structural problems created by ineffective focus on retention, this practice and policy also has significal educational repercussions for students. Grade Retention and Social Promotion examines retention as an academic intervention, presenting perspectives on the long history of research regarding the efficacy of this strategy, as well as new thinking on the topic. Drawing on both socio-emotional and academic outcomes over the years, this book presents the first complete book account of the theory and practice behind grade retention, as well as the obvious and more subtle practical outcomes. For the very first time, this book brings together current research on this controversial practice affecting teachers and students nationwide.Shane Jimerson is Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology in the Gevirtz Graduate School of EducationAaron Haddock is currently completing a Ph.D. program in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara

• Table of ContentsSection I. Introduction and Conceptual Framework Introduction to the Issues Historical context related to grade retention Conceptual Framework The Interplay of Social and Cognitive Competence influence Academic Achievement and Developmental Pathways Ethics Associated with Grade Retention Section II. Overview of Relevant Research Estimating Retention Rates in the United States Characteristics of retained students Longitudinal studies examining outcomes of retained students High school dropout and grade retention Results of Meta-analysis examining the efficacy of grade retention Results of research examining children’s perspectives regarding grade retention The Costs of Grade Retention Section III. Promoting Social and Cognitive Competence of Students Appropriate Assessment Effective Classroom Level Strategies to Promote Social and Cognitive Competence Effective District Level Strategies to Promote Social and Cognitive Competence Identifying Challenges and Specific Strategies to Promote Social and Cognitive Competence