NY: Retention program for first graders working but controversial

Holding back young students -- Is program a gift or a stigma?

New York Times June 25, 2008

A New York school district has begun holding back first graders who are not reading at grade level and placing them in a separate class called the "Gift of Time". The class follows a curriculum of reading, writing and math, and appears to have been successful in raising the achievement level of the students. Supporters of the program argue that some type of special intervention was needed to address the needs of the students who were not succeeding in the regular class. Critics, including some parents, argue that the program stigmatizes the children who are segregated and may lower self-esteem and achievement.