Many parents consider the option to hold their child back a year by repeating a grade. It seems like it makes sense; one more year to grow and mature, to review and master concepts that they may have struggled with. However, research suggests otherwise.
Boys are much more likely to be recommended for grade level retention than girls. As youngsters, boys are more active and more likely to be off task in the classroom. Typically, early language development in boys is behind that of his like-age female peers. In our classrooms, we expect children to walk into school ready to learn and perform. Many children have not developed these student behaviors and, the result is often a lag in achievement.
There is no benefit socially or academically to retention. On the contrary, retention is more likely to be predictive of health and emotional risk factors as the child grows. While initial gains may occur during the first year the child is retained, further declines are often observed during years two and three. In adolescence, the risk factors increase which have been linked to emotional distress, substance use, and violent behaviors. In addition, students who were retained are more likely to drop out compared with students who were not retained.
The alternative to retention begins with parent involvement. Be involved in your child’s learning. Take an active role in your child’s classroom and/or school. Make sure your child is accessing intervention programs that your school offers. Work with your child’s teacher to develop consistent strategies and expectations. When needed, get your child a tutor to relearn and review concepts until mastered. Early identification through assessment of the child’s strength’s and weaknesses can assist in providing you with appropriate means for intervention.
There is no easy way out when your child is struggling in school. Jump into your child’s education with both feet. You are your child’s best advocate.
For additional information call Laurie Adachi, MA, LEP, ABSNP at 661-255-2688 and visit www.compassionatesolutionsscv.com.