In many cases, children are hurt . Children retained in kindergarten and first grade are more likely to be hurt. Children who are slow learners or disabled are more likely to be hurt . Children who are hurt by the schools are more likely to drop out at age 16 . This undermines our goal of a better educated population.
Retention is inherently discriminatory .
More poor children, black children, and disabled children will be retained . There are more effective methods to increase performance without hurting our most fragile and vulnerable children . Despite this report, attempts to intimidate principals into retaining vast numbers of students seem to be escalating. But Kirk does say that there will be an appeals process for students who don t pass the tests but can earn passing grades. An appeals committee will be formed under the policy, and the parents of disabled children will be non voting members.