Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

Retention In Salem Elementary Schools, Charles M. Raglin

Masters Theses

Social or chronological promotion has long been a practice of the public schools of the United States. The alternative, nonpromotion or retention, has in the opinion of most psychologists and sociologists led to emotional and sociological trauma for the child. Another and probably the most cogent objection, is many parents oppose nonpromotion and are unwilling to accept the social stigma of "flunking." Children's achievement is a status symbol which profoundly affects families in many communities.

The writer contends that unless parents are directly involved in the decision early in the nonpromotion year, retention will not culminate in satisfactory achievement. Cooperation …