We are very careful to assure the student, at the time of retention, that this isn't a punishment. Of course there are repercussions as far as self-esteem, but in the long run the child's comfort level is increased. The child will not become brighter due to retention. The child will most likely not perform as well as the children in the class into which they are placed after retention. Children have no choice over how capable they are.
Children have no choice over the family into which they are born.
Children have no choice over the problems which life leaves on their doorsteps, and which distract from their ability to concentrate on school work. Retaining all the poorly performing children will surely impact class sizes. I see this picture of fifteen year old first grade students. It is not a pretty picture. Anything the conservatives can direct against the schools is one step closer to public funding for private education.