When the state banned social promotion, some schools took the legislation more seriously than others. At Oak View Elementary School in Huntington Beach, retention was enforced so strongly that the school made national headlines. It held back nearly a third of its student population - 241 students out of 815 in the year 2,000. The district mandated that the law be enforced for all grades - not just those targeted by legislation.

 

Today, the retention rate at Oak View is much lower. One reason is there are so many prevention and intervention programs in place that fewer students are behind grade level. Another is that students know the school isn't just making empty threats about retention, so they are more motivated to succeed.

 

Instruction has become much more "standards-based," say the school's instructors, members of the Ocean View Teachers Association. Through professional development, they've learned how to differentiate instruction according to the type of learner. There's also intensive student assessment by teams of teachers, psychologists and special education teachers who decide what the most appropriate intervention might be. Before- and after-school intervention programs are staffed by certified teachers and monthly assemblies celebrate student achievement and build self-esteem.

 

But what's made a huge difference at this Title I campus of nearly all English language learners has been preschool, says kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Garcia. The district now offers "preschool for all" and is part of the First Five program.

 

"It has really made a difference," says Garcia. "Preschool sets that foundation. You can tell which ones attended the Oak View preschool, because they know how to write their name, identify their letters and numbers, and have lots of other knowledge."

 

The school also started a "Preppie K" kindergarten program, which offers a second year of kindergarten to youngsters who are not academically ready - or mature enough - for the rigors of regular kindergarten before going on to first grade. These children usually do quite well once they've been given "the gift of time" as well as a strong foundation for future academic success, say teachers.

 

"Technically the program is considered a form of retention," says Preppie K teacher Linda Saez. However, because it happens so early and usually affects kindergartners on the young side, there is no stigma and children gain confidence. The school has eight academic kindergarten classes and three Preppie K classes on site.