What is the main concern regarding grade retention due to high-stakes testing, according to current literature?

The main concern regarding grade retention due to high-stakes testing is the potential for a higher dropout rate. Research in educational psychology suggests that when students are held back due to failing to meet certain testing benchmarks, it can negatively impact their self-esteem, motivation, and overall engagement in school. This increase in retention can contribute to a feeling of failure and alienation, which may make students more likely to disengage from the educational system, ultimately leading to a higher likelihood of dropping out. Retained students may face additional academic and social challenges, which can further exacerbate feelings of discouragement and lead to long-term educational setbacks.

In contrast, the assertion that grade retention leads to improved academic performance later does not align with substantial evidence, as studies have shown mixed results regarding improvements in performance after retention. Similarly, while some might argue that it could promote better social skills, the adverse social impacts of being retained often outweigh any potential benefits. The claim that retention has no significant impact is also not well-supported by current research, which consistently points to negative outcomes associated with high-stakes testing leading to retention.