Alternatives

Simple social promotion did not prove to be an adequate alternative to grade retention. Current theories among academic scholars prefer to address under performance problems with remedial help. Students who qualify for special education can receive such remediation through that program. However, performing easier work does not necessarily help the learning disabled student acquire the skills that are vital for middle school, high school, college and the workforce. The needs of under performing students who do not qualify is met in the alternative school. Ironically, the current system can result in a student with an IQ of 82 being retained, while one with equal performance and an IQ of 78 is promoted.