What is a key factor in determining students' readiness for grade retention?

Academic achievement is a key factor in determining students' readiness for grade retention because it directly reflects the student's ability to meet the learning expectations and competency standards set for their grade level. When schools consider grade retention, they typically assess how well a student has mastered the curriculum and whether they can demonstrate necessary skills in core subjects like reading, math, and writing. The focus is primarily on the student's performance in relation to what is expected at their current grade level.

While standardized test scores, intelligence assessments, and behavioral assessments can provide additional information about a student, they do not encompass the complete picture of academic readiness. Standardized test scores may offer insight into a student's performance relative to peers but do not directly reflect the day-to-day learning and skill application necessary for successful advancement. Intelligence assessment results can help understand cognitive abilities but do not measure actual academic performance. Behavioral assessments can indicate a student's engagement and classroom behavior but are not sufficient alone to determine their academic readiness.

In summary, academic achievement serves as the most direct indicator of whether a student has the foundational skills and knowledge to progress successfully to the next grade level.