SK> Have you heard about the practice of "red shirting" (I believe it 
SK> is called that?)?
  
PS> This is unfortunate.  I couldn't urge parents enough to forgot it.  
MS> Agreed.
MS>But "red shirting" in sports raises an interesting parallel with 
MS>retention of kids who don't learn academic material.  Nobody is overly 
MS>concerned about ruining the self-esteem of those who don't make the 
MS>(sports) teams, are cut from the (sports) teams, or who are 
MS>benchwarmers...nor is anyone worried that the experience of being kept
MS>back in sports will permanently color their view of sports and keep them
MS>from thinking of trying again next year.
While I agree in principle, there IS one distinct difference
in that sports participation is voluntary (and please don't
let's change this to gym class), whereas academics are not.
Don't misunderstand, I find nothing wrong with the concept
of the best rising to the top in ANY endeavor, but I also
appreciate the legitimate concerns for kids who have never
really had ANY success, praise, etc... Surely you would have
appreciated a pat on the back once in awhile in gym, no?
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