When should a child be held back? Expert shares 5 key factors for parents to consider

As the school year ends, many parents may wonder whether their child needs to be held back or given a "growth year." Kendra Morgan, a child development expert with Building All Children, helps families navigate this difficult decision.

"It's a mixture," Morgan said. "We have families call us that had a teacher conference and they're completely surprised and their teacher recommended a growth year. They don't know what that means. What does that look like? They're kind of in panic."

Morgan said the conversation usually begins in the spring and is based on several factors beyond academics.

Five Factors to Consider

Morgan outlined a five-part assessment that can help families decide whether a growth year is appropriate:

1. Birthday: Parents should consider whether their child is among the youngest or oldest in their grade. Age can impact maturity and readiness.
2. Height: Although it may seem unusual, Morgan said stature plays a role. "If they're extremely tall for their grade and then you hold them back again, they're going to be even taller than their classmates," she said. Conversely, smaller children might benefit from the extra year.
3. Emotional Maturity: Evaluating how a child handles focus, instructions, and social interactions is key. Emotional and social readiness can be just as important as academic skills.
4. Academic Progress: While academic delays are often the trigger for considering a growth year, Morgan said it should not be the only factor. Children with diagnosed learning disabilities, for instance, may not benefit significantly from retention alone.
5. Perception Among Peers: The younger the child, the less noticeable repeating a grade will be. Morgan said she often recommends transitions that mask the change, such as moving from private kindergarten to public kindergarten.

Timing Matters

Morgan said ideally, decisions about retention should happen early.

"Honestly, first, second grade, we don't like to hold them back past that," she said.

Research shows that retention in third or fourth grade can damage a child's self-esteem and confidence.

Working with Schools

Morgan advises parents to involve teachers and school administrators early in the decision-making process.

Some public schools have restrictions about repeating grades due to concerns like sports eligibility. Ensuring everyone is on board is crucial for a smooth transition.

"This has to be a team effort," Morgan said.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Building All Children offers assessments for children from birth through fourth grade to help families make informed decisions. Morgan encourages parents to seek outside evaluations if they feel unsure.

More information is available at BuildingAllChildren.org, and the organization is located at 6910 S. 101st E. Avenue in Tulsa.