This study sought to identify events that could explain the racial disparity among youth regarding grade retention. Grade retention has been deemed a risk factor for school failure and other health risk behaviors. If Black and Hispanic youth experience more grade retention than do White youth after controlling for relevant factors, such a disparity would suggest system-wide issues. This study was a cross sectional analysis of in-home interview data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Stratified random sampling yielded a nationally representative sample of 18,366 (Black, Hispanic, and White) youth in grades 7-12 in 80 communities. Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and middle class Blacks were over sampled. Multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were utilized to assess associations between racial/ethnic categories and grade retention while controlling for gender, grade, GPA, low SES, family structure, parental academic expectations, level of family caring, involvement in violent behavior, skipping school, learning problems, or hours worked as potential explainers of racial/ethnic differentials in grade retention. Although Blacks and Hispanics (34% and 29% respectively) reported more grade retention than Whites (19%), this difference was not accounted for by demographic, academic, or behavioral factors. Blacks were still more likely than Whites to be retained (OR=1.69), as were Hispanics (OR=1.46). These findings suggest that decisions about grade retention may be made, in part, on the basis of race/ethnicity. Other researchers and court decisions support our conclusions, while identifying inappropriate use of achievement test scores and tracking as justification for retention decisions.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the session, participants in the session will be able to:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Health Risks
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not Applicable
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.