If a student is getting D's and F's why would a teacher advance the student to the next grade?

It's possible this child does not have the capability to catch up. In cases like this, schools often allow the student to attend just to get them out into society rather than locked away in loneliness at home. I attended school with such a child. He was fantastic with art and music and that's what he did throughout his school day. The other students loved him and he was much happier being with kids his own age. There was no question about his ability to learn......

Some teachers will pass a student believing the next teacher will do better at teaching them but that would be a negligent thing to do.

The research does not support retention. I have seen it work in very young children (K-1st) and a few 3rd and 4th graders that were very immature. If the student has an IEP (special ed) or 504 plan (medical, behavior, etc.) retention is not an issue. If the student is not motivated, would retention help or make the child more frustrated, isolated, lonely, angry? If a child will be older than the rest of the class--by a late b-day, it is unwise? Would the parents support retention and diligently seek help? There are many, many factors to consider. Search the web, there is much research.

personally, I think that the student should take the year if they want to. The school does not have a reason. Maybe they dont want to take the time, or maybe they feel like the teen will be able to catch up without talking serious. Maybe they dont want to effect the school's overall rating on quality of education and student's ablities. I think it is more social reasons over anything else. But if you really think they would be better off... Remeber they have friends in this grade. I'm sure they have other talents- maybe they just sit and pray they will pursue in that. They obviously have some work cut out for them, and you should express yourself (not to aggressivly, mind you) to the school. If they still will not help this person, I reccomend talking to each individual teacher and try to work something out with them. Maybe if all of the subjects agree, then you will be able to convince the school. If the teachers do not cooperate- well, you have a problem. I would say private tutoring but it sounds like you already are working with that. Good luck- know I'm on your side.

Depending on the school district's policy, the parent can sign a waiver moving their child to the next grade, even though the teacher recommends retention. Also, if a child has an IEP for any kind of special education or accomodations, or what's called a 504 Plan, it can be written into the IEP or Plan that the child does not participate in the district's promotion/retention policy.

Many educators are against retention for some very specific reasons.

Holding back does not mean the kids going to get it the next year. Repetition doesn't work. It bores the child and if you think not getting it hurts his self esteem, try holding him back.

If a kid is held back it can be detrimental to the other kids around that kid. Like when I was in third grade we had a 12 year old in our class. He was very explicit about sex and I was frightened.

The current trend is to differentiate. This student learns slower and differently. He should be looked at not on his comparison to the class but on how he learns each year.

Teachers can recommend retention, however, the parents have the final say. Maybe the school does not want it to effect their state report card. I would suggest looking up parents rights at the state you are living, and contact the superintendent.

I am not a teacher but I agree it is unfair. In my college classes a teacher who curves a test will either give everyone the same curve or curve based on the number missed giving back say .25 percent of the lost points

politics!! They have have certain quota pass every year. I know in y state that is true. The more that is retained the less in the pockets ect...

You shouldn't