[E. Pluribus Unum]

If they aren't learning anything, what difference does it make if they are "retained" or drop out?

Other than job security for members of teachers unions, I mean?

[brytlea]

Depends on why they didn’t learn to read in third grade. If they cannot read after third grade, however, they are going to just continue falling further and further behind.

[muawiyah]

This is a slightly disguised effort to improve the performance of highschool athletic teams in certain parts of the state.

Frankly, it's unfair ~ and not scientifically valid.