Parents Struggle with Decision to Hold Child Back a Grade

A May 23, 2005 article from The Mercury News (San Jose, California) discusses an issue faced by parents and teachers across the nation at this time of year: whether to promote or hold back a student who has struggled over the past academic year. Those who oppose preventing students from advancing to the next grade level argue that, unless the teaching method used with children who have struggled is changed, holding them back is not likely to help. Some experts feel that, because lack of achievement is impacted by maturity levels, younger children who are held back a grade tend to have better results than older students. Parents are encouraged to communicate openly with teachers, and work together to make the decision that is best for their son or daughter.

The article is available at the MercuryNews.com Web site.