A fair number of states seem to be embracing the idea of retaining students who don’t pass a reading test by grade three, even though so much research suggests that it’s far better to move them on to the next grade and provide extra support there (see The Best Resources For Learning About Grade Retention, Social Promotion & Alternatives To Both).

Education Week has just published an article, There’s a Cost to Holding Back Struggling Readers. See How Much, about a new study (adding on to plenty others) finding that there can be serious long-term negative consequences to students who have been retained.

Alas, I believe many officials will still believe in the punitive approach.