What is a significant consequence of retention in students?

Retention, or holding a student back to repeat a grade, is often associated with negative outcomes, most notably a decline in academic achievement over time. Research consistently shows that students who are retained may initially perform better academically if they receive additional instruction, but this improvement tends to diminish after 2 to 3 years. By that time, retained students often experience further declines in academic performance compared to their peers who were promoted.

This decline in achievement can be attributed to several factors, including potential stigmatization, lack of engagement, and increasing gaps in understanding as content becomes more advanced. Over time, these students may struggle to keep pace, leading to a vicious cycle of underperformance and disengagement from school.

In contrast, while some might suggest that retention could lead to improved social skills, increased self-esteem, or better peer relationships, the empirical evidence does not support these claims as consistent outcomes of retention. Instead, social and emotional challenges, such as feelings of embarrassment or alienation, are more frequently reported among retained students. Thus, the significant consequence of retention primarily revolves around the decline in achievement that becomes evident within a few years following the decision to retain a student.