Social Promotion VS Grade Retention

Every year, by the end of the school academic year, educators across the country confront the issue of deciding on grade retention or social promotion for a student who has not done well in studies and/or examinations. While some schools opt for social promotion, others decide on grade retention. At a glance, the issue here seems to be grade retention vs. social promotion. However, another related concern that educators may have relates to the benefits of social promotion or retention: would the student benefit most when socially promoted or when retained in the same grade?

As is often the case, educators decide on grade retention or social promotion based on their perceived benefits of either of these two options for the student concerned. The difficulty in deciding on social promotion or grade retention is made even further complex when children with special needs affect their ability to learn and requires special educational support.