Each year nearly 2.5 million elementary school children are failed. Economic analyses suggest that this costs taxpayers over US$20 billion each year. Given the recent political momentum pushing for increased standards and accountability in our schools, actions toward an "end to social promotion" are occurring nationally. However, the research during the past 30 years fails to demonstrate the effectiveness of early grade retention as an academic intervention. In addition to the economic and structural problems created by ineffective focus on retention, this practice and policy also has...