Remember that teacher who was fired for handing out a zero grade to his students? Even though it seemed like a fair call at the time (and he won his appeal), researchers have found that holding kids back a grade can backfire in the long run.
Although some countries still retain kids who don't meet reading or other criteria, several studies highlight the harmful consequences of the practice.
While they may show initial improvement, kids who fail a grade tend to suffer academically and exhibit behavioural and social problems in the years that follow.
"The seeds of failure may be sown early for students who are retained, as they are significantly more likely to drop out of high school," said literacy professor Nancy Frey. "Furthermore, the trajectory of adverse outcomes appears to continue into young adulthood..."
Although it doesn't seem just or right to automatically pass a student who is under performing, doing so is ineffective.
Educators now realize that when it comes to literacy, both punishment and reward systems "shift students’ focus away from learning" and ultimately discourage literacy for its own sake. The focus, instead, should be on parental involvement, modified reading programs, and behavioural interventions.
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