What is Mandatory Retention?
School districts around the country are now requiring many students to pass tests before moving on to the next grade level. This policy is widely known as the mandatory retention policy of not promoting students that are unable to pass basic skills tested on educational exams. However, many parents and schools cannot agree on whether a child should be retained.
What are Some Drawback of Retention?
Studies have found that retention doesn't necessarily help out a student's lack of educational skills. In addition, it may be more harmful than beneficial. Many students have high drop out rates because of retention. What if My School wants to Retain My Child?
Schools and teachers will sometimes consult with parents because they believe that a student is not ready and able to be promoted to the next grade level. This makes many parents uneasy about having a child a year behind in school. However, parents have many options to prevent their child from being retained. These include: - Request copies of school files - These copies will allow a parent to review why their child is being asked to remain in their current grade level
- Determine what teaching style was used - Many students don''t respond to certain teaching styles and need special help
- Ask if a school has an intensive reading program - Many schools that want to retain a child have special programs to help a student recover their reading abilities so they can be promoted to the next grade level
What if the School Won't Let My Child be Promoted?
There are many occasions in which parents and schools have honest disagreements and can't come to an agreement regarding promotion. Parents have several options: - File a complaint with the United States Department of Education - Send copies of your child's records and files
- Ask to speak with district administrators - District administrators can review the case and determine the best course of action
Should I Consult an Attorney?
An experienced attorney in educational law can help parents to determine the best course of action regarding their child's retention. Attorney's can help to work with school officials to determine if retention is in a child's best interests. |
