A Case for Retention

Do you ever think that it is right to retain a student in the same grade? - Curious
Answer: As you know, we do not usually favor retaining students for another year in the same grade. We'll certainly admit that there are some successful retentions. Generally, this happens when it occurs very early in the school experience and is explained in a positive way. For most children, retention is an ugly experience that they rank close to blindness or losing a parent. Here are two views on successful retentions.
I'm a 67-year-old lady who repeated first grade, and I never felt sad, bad or upset. The teacher took us (five students) into a room, gave each of us a box of cookies, and said that we were staying with her for another year. She explained that we knew the routines and would be helpers with the new first-graders. The following year, I was the big fish in the little pond. Talk about bolstering self-esteem. -- Successful Experience
My cousin, who struggled in school, was retained in sixth grade. While I agree that retention that late should be carefully considered, it completely changed his life. He is now a college professor and can speak to the long-term value of retention much more eloquently than I. My opinion on the value of retention is based on 25 years of special-education experience and 26 years of parenting. I have seen many children who it has helped, and NONE who it has hurt. I have NEVER heard a parent say that they regretted the decision. -- Special Education Teacher