Should I Hold My Child Back?
When a child has a rough school year, some parents consider holding their child back a grade. Their child’s grades are suffering and the gap between him and his peers grows ever larger. Repeating a grade is known as “retention” or “non-promotion.” The idea is to provide the child with another chance at success. Parents reason that their child will be another year older, more mature, and familiarity with the teacher will help their child be successful a second time around. Schools may recommend retention as the solution for low academic performance or social/behavioral concerns. Is retention a good idea?
For students with dyslexia, retention is NOT the solution
Reason #1
Academic struggles are not usually caused by age or lack of maturity. While parents and educators sometimes talk about “late bloomers”, students with dyslexia need immediate help, not a “wait and see” approach.
Reason #2
There is usually a mismatch between how students with dyslexia learn and how they are taught in school. Students with dyslexia CAN learn to read and spell; they just need to be taught a certain way. A student with dyslexia needs intense instruction in an Orton-Gillingham based program.
Reason #3
If the underlying issues are not addressed, the child’s academic problems will resume once the grade has been repeated. For example, if a child repeats Kindergarten, it stands to reason that he may do better the second time. But what will happen when he is promoted to first grade? He is being set up for academic failure.
Susan Barton, developer of the Barton Reading and Spelling System, says,
“Simple retention…is not a gift of an extra year, because it doesn’t fix anything.”
Reason #4
Retention has serious emotional effects. Students who are retained are more likely to be bullied and suffer from emotional problems. Retention is the most powerful predictor of dropping out of high school according to the National Association of School Psychologists.
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We’re Nashville Dyslexia Center, your go-to stop for online dyslexia tutoring. We’re here to help overwhelmed parents get the reading help they need. Our mission? To see your child thrive - both academically and personally.
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VIDEO RESOURCES PLAYLIST
01. About NDC
Hear from two clients and their childs’ success.
02. Getting a Diagnosis
for dyslexia
03. Language Development
Insight from a Speech Language Pathologist
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READ THE LATEST POSTS
Episode 1: Jacob Blumenstein of KidsRead2Kids
In Episode 1 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Jacob Blumenstein, founder of KidsRead2Kids, shares his passion for helping struggling readers find confidence and joy in reading. This inspiring conversation explores how early experiences with literacy challenges can spark meaningful work, and how compassion, creativity, and structured guidance make a real difference for learners of…
Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver
Understanding whether a child has dyslexia can be both empowering and overwhelming for families. In Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver, the Nashville Dyslexia Center brings clarity to the dyslexia assessment process by talking with Dr. Klaver — an experienced neuropsychologist — about what evaluations involve, when to seek one, and how results…
Episode 3: Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton
Dyslexia is most often defined by language-based learning differences — difficulties with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency. But there’s another side to dyslexia that isn’t talked about as often: the emotional experience. In the Nashville Dyslexia Center video “Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton,” families are guided through how dyslexia can impact…
Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life
When a child struggles with reading, it affects the whole family. Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life offers an honest and heartfelt look at one parent’s dyslexia journey. Nicole Holcomb — educator, attorney, and founder of Dyslexia Mom Life — shares her family’s experience with dyslexia, including early concerns, the emotional impact,…
Episode 5: Author Cigdem Knebel of Simple Words Books
Dyslexia doesn’t just challenge readers — it also inspires creators. In Episode 5: Author Çiğdem Knebel of Simple Words Books, the Nashville Dyslexia Center highlights how one author’s understanding of dyslexia fuels her mission to make reading more approachable and joyful for children. This episode celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the power of thoughtful book design…
Episode 6: Andra Harris, Author of Magnificent Meg
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Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective — A Real Look at Dyslexia and the Family Journey
Every family’s experience with dyslexia is unique, but there are common threads that many parents recognize: early confusion, unanswered questions, and the desire to find help that actually works. In Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective, the Nashville Dyslexia Center shares a heartfelt and honest conversation with a parent whose child has navigated reading struggles, evaluations,…
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Many parents and educators know dyslexia as a reading challenge, but Episode 9: Embracing Dyslexia with Taylor Chmill brings a deeply personal perspective. In this episode from the Nashville Dyslexia Center, Taylor shares her experience living with dyslexia — not just the challenges, but how embracing her unique learning style has shaped her confidence, identity,…
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In Episode 10: Robbin Kent, the Nashville Dyslexia Center continues its mission of educating and uplifting families who are navigating dyslexia and reading struggles. This episode features Robbin Kent, a voice grounded in real experience with learning differences, who shares insights about what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to supporting struggling…
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