THE LONGITUDINAL EFFECTS OF NONPROMOTION IN JUNIOR-HIGH-SCHOOL ON ACADEMIC-ACHIEVEMENT AND ATTENDANCE

The present research provides a four year follow-up to an earlier study by Lenarduzzi and McLaughlin, (1990). In that earlier study, nonpromotion significantly improved the academic achievement and scholastic effort of seventh and eighth grade students compared to a matched control group who were promoted. The present report evaluated the long term effectiveness of grade retention and promotion for portions of this same sample. Data were gathered over a four year period while the students attended junior and senior high school. Of the original sample (N = 33), 18 student records could be located and examined. The results indicated that there were no significant differences for either attendance or grade point average between the promoted and nonpromoted students. In addition, both groups suffered from very high drop out rates. Suggestions to assist students at-risk for academic failure, were made.