RELATION OF ACADEMIC HISTORY AND DEMOGRAPHIC-VARIABLES TO GRADE RETENTION IN LEBANON

The relation between certain antecedent variables in students' academi c history and home environment and the frequency of grade retention in Lebanon was investigated. A representative sample of schools (260) st ratified by type, geographic location, and size was chosen. One retain ed student from each grade level (with retainees in it) was randomly c hosen. Student questionnaires and interviews were used to collect rele vant information on 1,633 retainees, The results revealed well-defined characteristics of the retained students. A large percentage of the s tudents entered school early, experienced frequent retentions, and cha nged schools. Demographically, most of them were male, overage for the ir classrooms, and fron! public schools and rural areas. In addition, they were usually middle children in large families, with one third of the families beaded by a Single parent, Parental education and occupa tion levels were low Results also revealed that frequency of retention was not independent of these variables. Policy implications of the re sults are discussed, and future research directions re suggested.