NPR – WILL HUNTSBERRY
“The question of when or whether it’s appropriate to hold a child back in school is a heated one among teachers, parents and even politicians. And a new study is adding some kindling to the debate. Researchers found that the rate at which kids are held back — in education circles it’s called “grade retention” — has dropped dramatically. From 1995 to 2005, the overall retention rate hovered near 3 percent. But, from 2005 to 2010 it fell to 1.5 percent…As remarkable as these numbers are, they’re also a bit of a mystery…”The next step is why.””(more)