Should I ask my child to be held back a year in school?

If you want your child to be held back a year in school, talk to the principal. It's really the principal's decision, not an IEP team decision, so approach the principal with why you think it would help your child. Education Advocate Karen Ford Cull says, "The data does not support holding kids back, but for a younger kid who also has some delay, it could make a difference."

Some Undivided families have asked the principal for retention, been told no, and then gone to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to argue their case. The exact process will depend on your school district.