Redshirting and Early Retention: Who Gets the "Gift of Time" and What Are Its Outcomes?

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a study that examined the prevalence of the delay of kindergarten entry, also known as academic redshirting. Utilizing a representative sample of Wisconsin school district, the authors examined the school records of more than 8,000 students to depict patterns of school entry, promotion, subsequent special services, and student achievement. Results indicate that approximately 7% of the sample bad delayed school entry and that those children were primarily boys with birthdates immediately before the entrance cutoff. Redshirts and retainees are more likely to receive special education services than their peers who enter and are promoted on time. The achievement of redshirts is comparable to their normally entered peers; whereas retainees perform at lower levels. Although the interpretations of these results depend on the perspective taken on extra-year interventions, they can be read in the context of other literature on extra-year interventions. We suggest next steps for the development of empirical knowledge on redshirting and for evaluating the efficacy of this practice. Given its lack of empirical efficacy, we do not support widespread use of this strategy for increasing readiness.

Social and behavioral skills and the gender gap in early educational achievement

“…These variables include race, gender, socioeconomic status, family structure and changes in family structure, the presence of a biological or nonbiological father, and whether a student has been retained. Because "academic red-shirting" (the practice of delaying the start of school) is more common for boys than for girls (Graue and DiPerna, 2000;Malone et al, 2006), we also control for the child's age at the wave when the outcome variable was measured. 11 The results presented in the paper are "analysis of covariance" models rather than "change score" models.…”

Early effects of an early start: Evidence from lowering the school starting age in Poland

“…Graue and DiPerna (Graue and DiPerna 2000) investigated a representative sample of Wisconsin school district and noticed that, compared to other ethnic groups, African Americans are slightly more likely to enter school later. Contrary to common beliefs, children eligible for free or reduced price lunch were significantly more likely to be redshirted.…”

The relationship between school-entry age and academic achievement in Lebanon. (c2011)

“…It was debated among educational and developmental psychologist for more than seventy years (Bigelow, 1934;Graue & DiPerna, 2000;Green & Simmons, 1962;May & Welch, 1984a). Still, the concept of readiness remains elusive:…”

“…It is also likely that most of the children that will be affected by the new policy will be younger than their peers. If by giving these children "the gift of time" (Graue & DiPerna, 2000), their chances for future success are improved, then the MEHE 's policy change might be warranted.…”

“…Researchers often refer to the age of the child in relation to other children in the same class as relative age (Aliprantis, 2010;Bedard & Dhuey, 2006;Deming & Dynarski, 2008;Dhuey & Lipscomb, 2008Dobkin & Ferreira, 2010;Elder & Lubotsky, 2009;Evans-Becker, 2003;Graue & DiPerna, 2000;Kern & Friedman, 2009;Puhani & Weber, 2007;Stipek, 2002;Weil, 2007;Yesil-Dagli, 2006;Zill, Loomis, & West, 1997). Large differences between the ages of same-grade students arise in countries and school districts that have a single annual intake window.…”