The question of when or whether it’s appropriate to hold a child back in school is a heated one among teachers, parents and even politicians.

And a new study is adding some kindling to the debate.

Researchers found that the rate at which kids are held back — in education circles it’s called “grade retention” — has dropped dramatically. From 1995 to 2005, the overall retention rate hovered near 3 percent. But, from 2005 to 2010 it fell to 1.5 percent. Full Article