I have done some research and I would like to update my position. While I still oppose social promotion, I have learned that retention generates no benefits either.

 

I encourage you all to read the content of this section from an OSPI summer institute. http://www.k12.wa.us/Conferences/summerinstitute2004/materials/012/LduggerSec1.pdf

 

It says that instead of social promotion or simple retention, schools needs to employ five strategies: intensify learning, provide professional development to assure skilled teachers, expand learning options, assess students in a manner to assist teachers, and intervene early enough to arrest poor performance.

 

For those who cannot follow the link, go to the OSPI web site, follow the link to Summer Institutes presentation materials, and look for the one by Linda Dugger called "Doing Whatever it Takes: District Models to Support Schools for Breakthrough Performance", and click on Section 1.