0000000000176950
AUTHOR
María Gil Izquierdo
Predictors and effects of grade repetition in Spain
Empirical evidence mostly describes the negative effects of grade repetition on academic performance. Nevertheless, the international use of this educational policy is still widespread. In this study, drawing on data for the Spanish case, we provide additional evidence on the need to consider different policies to grade repetition in order to enhance the achievement of low-performers. These alternative policies should be based on two main principles: individualized treatment and early intervention. Results have been achieved from the application of a novel methodology which allows to combine microdata from two international educational assessments.
Predictores y efectos de la repetición de curso
About a third of Spanish students will have repeated at least one school year by the time they reach 16. It is claimed that alternative policies top grade repetition should seek to provide individualised treatment and ensure early intervention. In Spain, while there is empirical evidence in support of the benefits of the former, there is little for the latter. Here, we fill this gap by combining data from two international assessments. We identify the profile of students who a) are at greatest risk of grade retention and b) are most negatively affected by the policy. Our results confirm the importance of early intervention and the need to rethink grade repetition as a one-size-fits-all poli…