Arguments in favor of retention
* Retention can help students catch up academically. Students who fail a grade are often behind their peers academically, and repeating a grade can give them the time they need to catch up. This can help them to be more successful in future grades and to graduate on time.
* Retention can help students develop better study habits and learning skills. Students who fail a grade may need to learn how to study more effectively and how to manage their time better. Repeating a grade can give them the opportunity to develop these skills, which will help them to be more successful in future grades.
* Retention can prevent students from dropping out of school. Students who are struggling academically are more likely to drop out of school. Retaining students who fail their classes can help to keep them in school and give them the opportunity to graduate.
Arguments against retention
* Retention can be harmful to students. Retaining students can damage their self-esteem and make them feel like failures. It can also lead to them becoming discouraged and dropping out of school.
* Retention is expensive. Retaining students costs schools money, and this money could be used for other purposes, such as hiring more teachers or providing more support services for students.
* Retention is not always effective. There is no evidence that retention is always effective in helping students to succeed. In some cases, retention may actually make students less likely to succeed.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to retain a student who fails their classes is a complex one. There are no easy answers, and the best approach may vary depending on the individual student and their circumstances.