The majority of the public strongly favors making failing students repeat a grade, even if it hurts their self-image and costs taxpayers more. But wholesale retention is also widely denounced. Critics say that children who are retained do not significantly improve their academic skills, but instead can become alienated from school, develop emotional and behavioral problems, and be at greater risk of dropping out. Finally, opponents of retention express concern that a disproportionate number of minority students, English language learners, and students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are among those retained. Social and Personal Adjustment Research in this area is incon-clusive.
Some studies show that retention has a negative effect on self-concept and attitudes towards school.
Other studies indicate that student adjustment outcomes are more positive after retention. Dropout Rate Most of the research on this front shows a strong link between retention and dropping out even when differences in prior achievement, attendance, sex, race, grades, family background, and personality factors are controlled. Several rigorous studies, for example, have found that repeating one grade more than doubles the odds of dropping out of school. Students who repeat two grades have an 80 to 90 percent chance of dropping out. And it may even increase dropout rates.