Mississippi literacy reforms drive third-grade retention policies in other states

Following literacy education reforms in Mississippi in 2013, more than two dozen U.S. states have adopted laws that require or allow schools to retain third-grade students who fail to meet reading proficiency standards. Mississippi has implemented one of the highest third-grade retention rates in the country as part of its approach to improving English language arts assessments.

Research regarding the effectiveness of grade retention remains mixed. While historical studies suggested that repeating a grade often yielded little benefit and led to long-term negative consequences, more recent research indicates that younger students may see positive effects if retention is paired with high-intensity tutoring and supportive interventions rather than being used solely as a punitive measure.