* Failing Grades: This is the most common reason. A student may fail enough courses to prevent them from accumulating the necessary credits to advance to the next grade level. The specific number of failed courses or the minimum GPA required varies by school and district.
* Insufficient Credits: Even if a student doesn't outright fail courses, they might not earn enough credits to meet the requirements for promotion. This can happen if they've missed a significant amount of school, failed to complete assignments, or received incomplete grades that weren't resolved.
* Academic Performance Below Standard: Some schools may have more holistic measures in place. While they might not have failed courses, a student's overall academic performance might be deemed insufficient to succeed in the next grade level. This might involve considering factors beyond just grades, such as classroom participation, work ethic, and test scores.
* Attendance Issues: Excessive absences, even if excused, can lead to being held back. Consistent attendance is crucial for learning and meeting credit requirements. Chronic absenteeism often contributes to poor academic performance.
* Behavioral Issues: Severe or persistent behavioral problems that disrupt the learning environment can lead to retention. This often involves multiple disciplinary infractions and may require intervention beyond just academic remediation.
* Maturity Concerns: In rare cases, schools might retain a student if they believe they aren't emotionally or socially mature enough to handle the rigors of the next grade level. This is less common and usually considered in conjunction with other factors.
It's important to note that retention decisions are generally made on a case-by-case basis, often involving input from teachers, counselors, administrators, and sometimes even parents. The specific criteria and process will vary depending on the school and district's policies.