National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” program recently reported on how Florida’s “mandatory retention” program, requiring that third graders who can’t read repeat the grade, has spread to a total of 19 states.

Education Next has covered this issue over the years in a series of articles and blog posts, including “The Wisdom of Mandatory Grade Retention,” by Brian A. Jacob, October 2, 2016; “Getting Ahead by Staying Behind: An evaluation of Florida’s program to end social promotion,” by Jay P. Greene and Marcus A. Winters, Spring 2006; and “Is New York City’s Decision to End Social Promotion Beginning To Work?” by Paul E. Peterson, May 21, 2010.

— Education Next