Should my child repeat 3rd grade?

Ideally, no. Repeating a grade―also known as "grade retention" ―has not been shown to help children learn. Children won't outgrow learning and attention issues by repeating a grade. In fact, repeating a grade may contribute to long-term issues with low self-esteem, as well as emotional or social difficulties.

How do you decide if your child should repeat a grade?

The biggest factors to consider when deciding whether to promote or retain a child in school are the child's academic progress and level of maturity. Many school districts have developed tests to evaluate these factors, but as a parent you may wish to consider your child's abilities as well.

Do kids get held back in 3rd grade?

Many states have laws that require students to repeat third grade if they can't read at a certain level. These third-grade retention laws differ from state to state. In some states, the law offers exceptions for some students.

What states have 3rd grade retention law?

Tennessee, Michigan and North Carolina are among at least 16 states that have tried in recent years to use reading tests and laws requiring students to repeat third grade to improve literacy. Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Nevada have all passed similar laws that will go into effect in the coming years.

Should struggling students repeat a grade?

Kids who are much younger than grade-level peers and who have a history of struggling academically can benefit from repeating a grade. It can be a better fit emotionally and age-wise. Kids who are already the oldest in their grade will be almost two years older than the rest of the class.

Should My Child Repeat a Grade

What are the downsides of repeating a grade?

High-profile meta-analyses based on these studies concluded that grade retention was associated with poorer academic outcomes (including higher dropout rates) and greater risk of behavioral issues.

What percentage of kids repeat a grade?

How many kids repeat grades annually? According to 2016 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, about 1.9% of U.S. elementary through high school students stayed in the same grade they were enrolled in the prior school year― down from 3.1% in 2000. Rates remain higher among younger children.

Can a child fail 3rd grade?

Some states have third-grade retention laws. (Schools refer to repeating a grade as “retention.”) Retention policies can vary from state to state and in some cases from district to district. Some school districts have strict policies that are guided by the scores on standardized tests.

How do you get held back in 3rd grade?

Some states also have third-grade retention laws that say kids have to stay back if they can't read at a certain level this year. However, some of these states may make exceptions. The school can tell you how your state's law handles third-grade retention when a child has a known learning difference.

What is the research on 3rd grade retention?

The study examined data from 2011-12 to 2016-17 and found that students who were retained in third grade scored about 18 points higher in English language arts and math in fourth grade than low-performing peers who were not retained. The gains continued through seventh grade, though at a slower rate.

What do 3rd graders struggle with?

Third Grade | Struggling Readers

“1 in 5 kids in the U.S. struggle with issues related to reading, writing, math, focus and organization. These kids with learning issues are as smart as their peers, but too many aren't getting the support they need to succeed.”

How many times can a child repeat the same grade?

Is there a law or policy regarding the number of times a student can be retained? There is nothing in the EC that prohibits school districts from retaining a child in more than one grade. Some districts' PPR policies prohibit students from repeating more than one elementary grade.

Can third graders read?

By the end of grade 3, students are expected to be able to read independently.

What grade is best to repeat?

Repeating kindergarten or preschool is a lot less stressful for a child than repeating a class in primary school. Repeating a grade in elementary/primary is much less stressful than repeating in the higher grades.

Do colleges care if you repeated a grade?

For the most part, colleges don't mind if you repeat a grade or have to take a year off in high school, but the answer could depend on the colleges you're interested in. For more competitive colleges, the admissions team is going to be stricter about who they let attend their school and may have different standards.

Why students should never be forced to repeat a year at school?

Unfortunately, forcing a child to repeat a grade typically causes more problems than it solves. Students who have been required to repeat a grade are more likely to have confidence issues and social issues moving forward. They're far more likely to give up on school or even drop out altogether.

Can you move up a grade if you get held back?

Sometimes a student is retained for one reason or another and then gets up to speed and they are at the level of the next grade level. So they will bump the student back up a grade if the school and parents agree upon it. Retention as well as skipping a grade usually has to be agreed upon by the parents and school.

How do you talk to a child about being held back a grade?

Your child may struggle to understand why they can't be in the same class with their friends or why they aren't in the same seat as last year. You can say things like, “You're going to have so much fun with {teacher's name} this year!” or point out exciting things in the classroom.

What reading level is 3rd grade?

Third grade reading focuses on teaching kids how to think and talk about what they read in deeper and more detailed ways. Students read longer texts, and most read fictional chapter books. Many reading lessons in 3rd grade are dedicated to writing and talking about the meanings, lessons, and important ideas in texts.

Why do so many kids fail 3rd grade?

California's minimalist approach to early literacy has left every district mostly on its own, creating confusion, uncertainty and sometimes conflicts at the local level, undermining children's ability to learn to read, according to educators, literacy experts and district and state leaders interviewed for this article.

Why is 3rd grade so hard for kids?

There seems to be a major turn in responsibility level expected as well as a shift in curriculum delivery at our school at this grade level. The amount of reading required has jumped substantially and much more online learning / testing is now standard practice. It's been really hard on my child and on us.

Why is third grade so hard?

They have to read, comprehend, and translate knowledge in a way they are not previously accustomed to. There is more writing involved and getting ideas down on paper can be especially hard for many kids. Third grade also means more responsibility in the classroom and at home.

Who decides if a kid gets held back?

Who gets the final say? In California, it's the schools. California's Pupil Promotion & Retention policy in the state education code says a student can be promoted if the teacher decides retention isn't appropriate even if the student is failing.

What causes a child to repeat a grade?

Repeating a grade in school can be a difficult and stressful experience for children and their families. There are a variety of reasons why a child might repeat a grade, including academic struggles, emotional or behavioral issues, and learning disabilities.

Can my parents make me repeat a grade?

Who decides if you should repeat a grade? It's often a team, including your parents, your teacher, counselor, and principal. Teachers and parents aren't trying to be mean when they decide a kid should repeat a grade.