Why retain students?

Question

If retention is the leading indicator of school dropout rate why are educators so quick to retain students? Are they ignorant of the studies?

Answer 1

I am not ignorant of the studies. However, I'd like to point out that passing a child who cannot read, write or do math does not do much for him/her either. It hurts their self-esteem just as much and leads them to think that just showing up at school's enough. It's not.

The research shows that retaining children past the third grade is detrimental and increases drop out rates. However, what is gained from taking a second look at something is invaluable. How many times do we go back and re-read a page sometimes just to get a better understanding of what's going on in the story? It's the same concept, only just applied to something different.

If you ask me, the only thing that needs to change is the stigma society, and sometimes children's own parents puts on children who have been retained. This is the reason it leads them to a lower self-esteem. If parents would just take the time to explain to children that we all make mistakes, that sometimes we all have to take a second look at something, the story might be different. If parents place more of an importance on "honey, you are being given the opportunity to make up the year, show 'em your stuff, do better next time," children could focus on the positive aspects of retention rather than what people'll think of them.

I have known children who were retained in third and fourth grade whose parents took this as a second chance, an opportunity. Those children have done better in their academic and social lives for it.

Answer 2

Not all educators are aware of the studies and not all teachers want to retain. I haven't retained a student in at least 10 years. IF a different curriculum or learning style were available, I might be more inclined to consider retention. It is true that one of the biggest problems is the attitude of society regarding retained students. People don't use the word "retain" they use the word "failed". Even when they are corrected, they still say it means the same thing. If we would stop placing children in grades based on their age and devise a standards based curriculum that students passed to move to the next level without regard to their age or length of time, the social stigma would disappear. A student who excelled in Math would move on in Math but remain in a lower level for other subjects not mastered. It would require that numerous programs be available instead of the school adopting one and mandating it's use.

Answer 3

It is not the retention that causes drop-outs. Kids that have so much difficulty learning that they end up being retained, are going to continue to struggle throughout their school time.

It is not the retention, but the lack of counseling and study skills training supports that causes the drop-out rate with these kids.

Answer 4

Because the goal is to educate students and have them complete their studies.

If educators don't retain students, fewer students complete their programs. If fewer students complete their programs, then prospective students won't attend that school for fear that they won't complete, either. When prospective students start looking elsewhere for their schooling, the school does not receive as much money. Essentially, it's a trickle down effect. The school dies and teachers lose their jobs.

Schools survive and thrive when they retain students.

Answer 5

My thought is one of confusion. If the students are failing anyway, how would you promote them and send them on the way to oblivion thinking they are geniuses’ and add to our already behind scores compared to the world academically. I guess it would sound great if everyone passed or graduated, but would we as a nation be better off with the dumbing down of the high school graduate? Or would it just make better since that they would not get the position because they do not have the diploma.

Answer 6

if done in the elementary years when issues arise with schooling it can help a child ,,,t hurt in the years 9th grade an on