As discussions over education policies continue, a debated practice is gaining traction: holding students back if they fail to meet reading benchmarks.
In the US, 26 states now require students to repeat a year if they fail reading tests. Maryland, where 69% of students are below grade level in reading, is considering a similar policy. However, experts argue that holding students back often does more harm than good, a lesson Australia should heed.
Associate professors Laura Link and Diana D’Amico Pawlewicz from the University of North Dakota outlined in their report five reasons why grade retention is not an effective solution. Their research demonstrated the serious academic and emotional consequences of making children repeat a grade.
Academic harm
While giving students extra time to master reading may seem logical, research suggested that holding them back usually leads to worse outcomes. A 2018 study found that students who were held back in early years performed worse academically than their peers who were promoted. They continued to struggle even after moving on, and any short-term gains often vanished.
Students who repeated a year often had to face the same ineffective teaching methods, which led to their difficulties in the first place. Instead of helping, this simply led them to repeat the cycle of underachievement.
Consequences and risks
Grade retention was also found to affect mental health. Children who repeated a year frequently experienced shame, isolation, and anxiety. These feelings could persist into adolescence, lowering self-esteem and affecting social skills. Being separated from peers could create lasting emotional challenges.
One of the most alarming impacts of retention is the increased risk of dropping out. Students held back in primary school were 60% less likely to graduate by age 20 than peers who struggled but were promoted. This is a particularly concerning trend in Australia, where dropping out can have lifelong effects.
Retention also comes with high financial costs. In the US, it can cost $13,000 to $35,000 per student per year, putting pressure on school budgets. In addition, retention policies could have a greater impact on disadvantaged students, including those from low-income and minority backgrounds. These students were found to be more likely to be held back, worsening the gap in educational outcomes.
A better approach for Australia
Instead of retaining students, experts recommended personalised interventions. Teachers should regularly assess student progress from kindergarten through primary years and adjust their instruction as needed. Research found that such an approach often leads to better outcomes.
Teachers must also be equipped to use classroom data to design lessons tailored to struggling students. Many teacher training programs were found to fall short in this area, but by strengthening these skills, educators could provide more targeted support, the experts noted.
The report also highlighted that Australia should focus on proactive teaching strategies that help students succeed without the negative impacts of holding them back. By improving teacher training and using personalised approaches, schools can better support struggling students and close the literacy gap.