A Guide for Parents about Retention and Promotion = Una Guia para los Padres de Familia sobre Retencion y Promocion.

This bilingual (English and Spanish) brochure explains why retention is common among migrant students and what parents can do to help their children succeed in school. By second grade, nearly 50 percent of migrant students in the nation are older than their classmates and only about 50 percent of migrant students graduate from high school. Research indicates that retention in kindergarten or first grade does not ensure greater success in school. Retained children tend to lack confidence and in general are insecure when compared to promoted students. In addition, evidence shows that students who are placed in transitional classes such as pre-kindergarten do not perform better than students who are promoted. Recommendations for parents include: (1) providing the school with as much information about the student as possible, such as the last school attended, name of teacher, and copy of report cards or progress reports; (2) meeting with the teacher and discussing options such as tutoring, remedial classes, and summer school for resolving the child's difficulties in school; (3) questioning the teacher if retention is recommended; and (4) enrolling the child in school as soon as he or she is eligible. A list of 20 questions for parents to ask the school is included. (LP)