Determining whether a child should repeat a grade in school is a difficult
decision. Many school systems have adopted the "no kid left behind
plan," which prevents schools from requiring a student to repeat a grade.
However, parents who aware that their child has not grasped vital instructions
may be torn about whether they should allow the child to pass to the next
grade. Before making a decision, parents should review the following points.
What is the Root of Problem?
There are several reasons why
a child performs poorly in school. Many are quick to assume that the child
has a slower learning ability which warrants repeating a grade. However,
the root of the problem could be some issues that have nothing to do with
intelligence. For example, the youngster's parents could be fighting, or
going through a divorce. In addition, a death in the family may result in
poor academic performance. In situations like this, it would not be
necessary for the child to repeat a grade.
Will Summer School Help?
In some situations, children
are allowed to pass onto the next grade if they successfully complete
summer school. This is ideal for students who preformed poorly in only a
few subjects. Moreover, teachers and schools are generally willing to
assign extra credit work in order to boost the grades of a child that is
on the border of failing a grade.
Is Poor Performance Due to a Learning Disability?
Repeating a grade will not
help students who perform poorly because they suffer from a disability
such as dyslexia. Learning disabilities do not automatically disappear.
Instead of forcing a child to repeat a grade, parents should hire private
tutors who are trained in techniques that will help students who have a
different way of learning.
Moreover, parents should realize that as a child becomes older, their
thinking ability and their ability to grasp new information will improve. In
fact, many children who repeated a grade in elementary school go on to graduate
in the top of their class. Instead of holding a child back a year, it may be
wise to allow them to pass onto the next grade. They may thank you in the long
run.